Ruth First is assassinated in Mozambique

Ruth First, journalist, academic, anti-apartheid activist and member of the South African Communist Party, was brutally killed by a letter bomb in Maputo, Mozambique, sent by South African government agents. First had left South Africa for the second time with her husband, Joe Slovo, during the height of anti-apartheid campaigns. At the time of her death, First was a lecturer at the Eduardo Mondlane University. Her funeral in Maputo was attended by presidents, members of parliament and envoys from 34 countries. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) granted amnesty to Craig Williamson and Roger Raven, two men responsible for the death of Ruth First. Click here to read testimony by Craig Williamson and Roger Raven during the TRC hearing.