This is the first installment of our two-part investigation into the life and assassination of Ruth First. A journalist working in South Africa during the era of apartheid, Ruth exposed the brutalities of life for blacks living in the country. With her husband, Joe Slovo, she became a leading member of the South African Communist Party and a supporter of Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress.

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Assassinations Podcast was created by Niall Cooper, who also researches and writes the show. Lindsey Morse is our editor and producer. Our theme music was created by Graeme Ronald. If you’d like to hear more from Graeme, check out his band Remember Remember. You’ll find them on iTunes.