Johannesburg - An Azanian People's Liberation Army (Apla) operative will on Monday be released from prison after spending more than 27 years behind bars for killing unnamed white farmers in 1989.
According to a Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) member, Thembeka Keba, Sipho Nxusana was arrested in 1989 but only sentenced in1993 for the killings.
It was estimated there were more than 30 Apla operatives still languishing in jail for politically-motivated killings.
Keba said Nxusana should have been released more than two years ago.
He added that his family had given up hope that he would be a free man and this had affected the health of his mother.
“In 2015, his family gave up hope that he would be released.
"The family felt hurt and stranded over his situation and it affected his mother’s health.
"The PAC, with his family, will be welcoming him back to his community, hence we would like you to cover this historical event,” said Keba.
Last year, Apla commander Kenny Motsamai was released from the Boksburg prison after spending 27 years in jail for the murder of a white North West traffic officer.
Asked for comment on Saturday, Motsamai said he heard about the pending release of Nxusana, who was incarcerated at Modderbee Correctional Services in Benoni, from the PAC leadership last week.
“When I got a call from a PAC leader about his imminent release, I got very excited.
"It is good news for him to be released and come to enjoy the freedom we fought for.
"I will support him in everything,” added Motsamai.