City Press reported that Wonke Maqubela and Neliswa Nohnuhna Dyantyi Busika, accused in a necklace trial in Stutterheim, Eastern Cape, and found guilty of public violence in July, were each sentenced to five years' imprisonment, three of which were conditionally suspended for five years. Eight others were acquitted on all charges. The trial followed after the necklace murder of N. Magala in 1985. They had all pleaded not guilty to charges of public violence and malicious damage to property.
It is was discovered that Maqubela and Dyantyi were among former SAYCO members whom were detained and severly assaulted by South African Police officers in Stutterheim during the year 1985. Hence they were accused of the murder of Magala. In response the Truth and Reconciliation Commission conducted victim hearings in King Williams Town court, 1997. Ultimately the victims demanded compensation as they had undergone health problems and property loss following the assaults.The Human Rights Violations (HRV) Committee investigated human rights abuses that took place between 1960 and 1994.