JOHANNESBURG - Former President Thabo Mbeki and ex-Justice Minister, Brigitte Mabandla have been dealt a blow in court.
The High Court in Pretoria has barred them from intervening in the apartheid-era crimes lawsuit.
Twenty-five families are suing for constitutional damages.
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They believe the TRC-recommended prosecutions were politically suppressed.
The families are seeking R167-million in damages.
The money will be placed in a trust to fund legal cases and commemorative events.
They also want a commission of inquiry into delays in prosecuting apartheid-era cases.
Mbeki and Mabandla were in office at the time of the alleged suppression.
They wanted an opportunity to present their case in court.
But, the court found they would have a chance to present before a commission.