Cradock, Eastern Cape

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The Dutch Reform Church

Cradock is a town of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, in the upper valley of the Great Fish River, 181 mi. by rail northeast of Port Elizabeth. The estimated population in 2005 is 28,689. It is one of the chief centers of the wool industry of the Cape, and also produces beef, dairy, fruit, lucerne, and mohair. Due to its hot sulphur springs, the town enjoys a reputation as one of the best health resorts in the province. It stands at an altitude of 2856 ft. Three miles N. of the town are sulphur baths (temp. 100° F.) used for the treatment of rheumatism. In the neighboring district survive a few herds of mountain zebras, now protected by the game laws. The town was founded on the 27 August 1818 when a Dutch Reformed Church was built and is named after Sir John Cradock, governor of the Cape from 1811 to 1813.

[edit] Cradock Four

The Cradock Four, Matthew Goniwe, Sparrow Mkhonto, Fort Calata and Sicelo Mhlauli were abducted while travelling from Port Elizabeth to Cradock in 1985.^[1] They were then taken to Olifantshoek Pass and later to Port Elizabeth where they were assaulted, killed and their bodies and the vehicle in which they were travelling burnt on June 27, 1985.

Three Security Branch policemen, a Sergeant Faku, Sgt Mgoduka and one Sakati who participated in the killing of the activists were later killed in a car bomb blast at Motherwell in 1989.

Two inquests were held following the killing of the Cradock activists. During the second inquest in 1994, evidence was led which pointed to the involvement of the then South African Defence Force in the killing of the activists. This evidence related to a signal which was allegedly sent by Colonel Lourens du Plessis, on behalf of Brigadier van der Westhuizen to Major General van Rensburg in which the `permanent removal' from society of the deceased was recommended.