Kenilworth

The ANC Press Release the day after the massacre.

ST JAMES MASSACRE

26 July 1993

ANC WESTERN CAPE PRESS STATEMENT

Our outrage and horror at the barbaric attack on the congregation at St James's Church, Kenilworth, cannot be sufficiently expressed. We believe that this sickening and vicious attack on people engaged in prayer and worship must stand out as one of the most deeply shocking ever to have taken place - even in a country where violence, conflict and massacre have become almost daily tragedies.

We believe, however, that expressions of outrage are no longer sufficient and that we must take whatever action we can to investigate the incident and help to uncover both its perpetrators and their motives. We are, more than ever, convinced that those who plan and execute such attacks are determined not only to wreck all efforts to bring about peace and democracy in our country, but that it is their intention to instigate racial hatred and even war.

The need for action is, therefore, urgent and critical. Our Peace Desk has already begun investigating the matter and will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to assist in the process of uncovering the murderers and their paymasters. We call on the police to redouble their efforts to bring these people to book as speedily as possible.

We believe that all Capetonians would wish to be involved in the mourning of those who died in last night's terrible attack and we have arranged to meet urgently with the Archbishop of Cape Town, the Mayor and other leaders to discuss appropriate forms of mourning over the next few days.

We call on all Capetonians to unite with us in stamping out the violence that is threatening to engulf our Region. We cannot stand by and allow the sinister forces behind these frightening acts to plunge the Western Cape into fear and confusion. We must work together to prevent these dark and sinister forces from destroying the dearly cherished hopes of all those ordinary people who have waited so long for peace and democracy in our land.

Issued by Tony Yengeni, Secretary

For more information, contact Susan de Villiers (021) 448-5651 or (021) 689-2373. Or page (021) 253844 code 6564.