Inquiry Reveals Cover-Up in Nokuthula Simelane’s Kidnapping
The ongoing Khampepe Commission Inquiry into the delays in prosecutions by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has unveiled troubling revelations regarding the kidnap and murder of activist Nokuthula Simelane. The late Captain Mike Holmes, renowned for his role in solving the high-profile assassination of Chris Hani in 1993, is now implicated in an alleged effort to obstruct justice in Simelane’s case.
Simelane, a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and an active courier for the party, was abducted in 1983 under dubious circumstances, and her fate has haunted South Africa for decades. Andrew Leask, one of the original investigators for the Directorate of Special Operations (the Scorpions), testified at the inquiry that his attempts to uncover the details surrounding her abduction were met with significant obstacles.
Leask’s investigation into Simelane’s disappearance began in 1996, more than a decade after the incident occurred. Despite his efforts, he has noted that the case remained unresolved for years. In 2011, he was instructed to hand over a comprehensive investigation docket to Captain Holmes, who was then involved in the case.
The inquiry continued on January 25, 2026, when Leask recounted how former South African Police Service (SAPS) Commissioner Johan van der Merwe had approached him in 2004 with the seemingly promising proposition of uncovering crucial information. Van der Merwe expressed intentions to provide evidence that could lead to charges against top ANC leadership.
“Van der Merwe contacted me and presented an opportunity to unveil evidence that could advance the case against those in the ANC,” Leask explained during his testimony. However, despite the initial enthusiasm, there was a conspicuous lack of follow-up from Van der Merwe and his associates—leaving many questions unanswered and justice elusive.
During his testimony, Leask also mentioned that he had been informed by a legal representative of implicated military officials, Mr. Wagenaar, that documents and statements were being compiled. Unfortunately, Leask remarked that after that initial promising contact, he did not receive any further communication regarding the supposed evidence.
The revelations at the Khampepe Inquiry have reignited calls for transparency in investigations surrounding political activists during apartheid. Simelane’s case is not just a matter of historical significance; it represents a painful chapter in South Africa’s struggle for justice. The inquiry seeks to shed light on the actions of police and military officials during a time marked by brutality and human rights abuses.
Nokuthula Simelane’s family remains hopeful that the inquiry will provide clarity and perhaps a semblance of closure for their unresolved grief. Her brother, who attended the inquiry, spoke out about the enduring pain felt by the family and the urgent need to unravel the truth behind her disappearance. “We have carried the weight of this loss for decades,” he said, adding that justice delayed is justice denied.
As the Khampepe Inquiry progresses, it remains imperative for those tasked with uncovering the truth to pursue every lead without bias or interference. The specter of past injustices looms large, and many South Africans are watching closely as the proceedings unfold.
While the inquiry has brought the haunting legacy of apartheid back into national discourse, it also raises questions about accountability for historical wrongs. As South Africa grapples with its past, the importance of seeking justice for victims like Nokuthula Simelane cannot be overstated.
As testimonies continue and the inquiry delves deeper, the hope is that the truth will ultimately prevail, ensuring that such a tragedy never occurs again in the nation’s future.
— Reported by Nexio News
