South Africa Goldstone committee reveals existence of secret police

On March 18, 1994, history was made in South Africa as the Goldstone Committee revealed the existence of a secret police force operating within the country. This shocking revelation sent shockwaves throughout the nation and shed light on the dark underbelly of the apartheid regime. In this article, we will delve deep into the details of this significant event and its impact on the country.

The Goldstone Committee, officially known as the Commission of Inquiry Regarding the Prevention of Public Violence and Intimidation, was established in 1991 with the aim of addressing the increasing violence and political unrest that plagued South Africa during the apartheid era. Headed by Justice Richard Goldstone, a renowned South African jurist, the committee was tasked with investigating allegations of human rights abuses and bringing those responsible to justice.

It was during the course of this investigation that the committee stumbled upon evidence of a secret police force operating within the country. This clandestine organization, known as the Security Branch, was a highly secretive arm of the government responsible for infiltrating opposition groups, conducting surveillance, and carrying out extrajudicial killings.

The revelation of the existence of the Security Branch sent shockwaves throughout South Africa and further eroded the already waning public trust in the apartheid government. The news of state-sponsored violence and the oppressive tactics employed by the security forces fueled widespread anger and calls for justice.

The Goldstone Committee’s findings also had far-reaching consequences for the apartheid regime. The report, officially titled “Violence and Intimidation: A Report of the Goldstone Commission,” detailed the systematic abuses committed by the Security Branch and implicated high-ranking officials within the government.

These revelations further bolstered the anti-apartheid movement and galvanized international support for the struggle against apartheid. The revelations prompted calls for increased international sanctions against South Africa and put pressure on the government to expedite the transition to democracy.

In the aftermath of the Goldstone Committee’s findings, several key developments took place. Firstly, the South African government, under President F.W. de Klerk, disbanded the Security Branch and began dismantling other repressive institutions within the country. This move was an important step towards reconciliation and the establishment of a more inclusive and democratic society.

Secondly, the revelations of the Goldstone Committee paved the way for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which was established in 1995. The TRC aimed to provide a platform for victims of human rights abuses to share their stories, seek justice, and promote national healing. The work of the TRC played a crucial role in South Africa’s transition to a democratic society and remains a landmark example of transitional justice.

the revelation of the existence of a secret police force in South Africa by the Goldstone Committee on March 18, 1994, was a pivotal moment in the country’s history. It exposed the extent of state-sponsored violence under the apartheid regime and galvanized international support for the struggle against apartheid.

The findings of the Goldstone Committee led to the dismantling of the Security Branch and paved the way for the establishment of the TRC, which played a crucial role in promoting justice and reconciliation. Today, the event serves as a reminder of the importance of truth-telling and accountability in building a just and inclusive society.