PROSECUTORIAL Roulette : Ronald Lamola, the justice minister who lit a fire under stagnant TRC cases

Former South African Justice Minister Ronald Lamola testified at the Khampepe Inquiry that his period in office (2019-2024) was the most successful in addressing Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) case delays. Lamola, now the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, was tasked with resolving the 30-year backlog of TRC matters that families of apartheid-era victims sought for accountability.

During his tenure, Lamola spearheaded initiatives to improve the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) finances, enhance investigative and prosecutorial capacity, and appoint dedicated prosecutors and investigators. He also supported a shift in focus, enabling provincial directors of public prosecutions to take responsibility for TRC cases and oversee local oversight.

Lamola highlighted significant successes, including the conviction of former Security Branch and Reaction Unit officers for the 1987 murder of anti-apartheid activist Caiphus Nyoka and the sentencing of Gugulethu Madonsela for the 1989 murder of UDF activist Siphelele Nxumalo. He also formally requested the reopening of inquests into the deaths of Neil Aggett, Hoosen Haffejee, Ernest Dipale, and Imam Abdullah Haron.

The former minister described the 2025 João Rodrigues judgment as a "watershed moment," which created intense public pressure for a formal commission of inquiry to address political interference in TRC cases. Following the judgment, the Ministry of Justice sought legal advice, leading to a clarification of the minister's role in investigating misconduct within the NPA.

Lamola emphasized that during his tenure, he received no political interference or impediments, and the president never suggested slowing down on sensitive cases. Instead, he argued that strengthening the NPA and Hawks through increased funding and personnel was the most effective way to advance accountability.