The Hawks in the Eastern Cape are seeking information on three apartheid-era death in detention cases that are currently being investigated.
Provincial spokesperson, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, said in certain matters, investigations had stalled due to the unavailability of family members to give more information about the deceased.
She said the Hawks are probing the 1965 death in detention of Ngeni Gaga, who was held under the old Transkei laws.
“Mr Ngeni Gaga was arrested and detained by the police of the former Transkei on 9 May 1965 under the Transkei Proclamation R400 of 1960,” she said.
“It is reported that he died within 24 hours of his detention where he is alleged to have died of natural causes. Gaga was only 19 when he met his untimely death.
The other two cases under the purview, relate to the deaths in detention of Pongoloshe Hoye, who reportedly died on the same day as Gaga, but no further information is available.
“There is no information of his last known address,” she said.
Mgolodela said the third cold case being investigated is the death in detention of James Tiya, who reportedly used a scarf to hang himself while in security police custody in Gqeberha in 1964.
“There is no information of the exact place (jail) where he was detained in Port Elizabeth there is also no information about his next of kin."
Anyone with information regarding the above deceased should not hesitate to contact Colonel Dweba at 071 351 7239.
She said all information received would be treated confidentially.
