THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has conveyed its condolences to the family of liberation Struggle hero Neville Witbooi who was part of the “Upington 26”.
Department spokesperson Morapedi Sekhoane said the sacrifices that Witbooi and other Struggle prisoners made in order for the country to be free will never be forgotten.
“He (Witbooi) was one of the members of the famous liberation Struggle prisoners ‘Upington 26’. Witbooi was arrested on December 3, 1985 in Upington in the Northern Cape and spent long periods in custody during the trial of the Upington 26. He was arrested following the killing of police constable Lucas Jetta Sethwala on November 13, 1985 and was incarcerated until he was included in the trial of the Upington 26. He endured state prosecution under the Common Purpose Doctrine and was found guilty by Judge Basson. He was released after the Appeals Court removed his sentence and saved from death row. He was the youngest back then of the people who got arrested. At the conclusion of the trial, he was given a suspended sentence that was later overturned on appeal,” said Sekhoane.
He added that Witbooi later played a vital role in local government after the fall of apartheid.
“During his time, Witbooi was a community activist who served as a member of the United Democratic Front (UDF). He also served as a local councillor between 2011 and 2016. He remained a dedicated activist advocating for the plight of former prisoners and victims of apartheid crimes. He also served on the Northern Cape Liquor Board for a few years and was currently serving on the board of the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency,” said Sekhoane.
“Witbooi is expected to be buried on Saturday, November 19 in Paballelo in Upington.”