NPA Re-Opens Inquests Into Deaths of 2 Former ANC Leaders

(The Post News)– The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has decided to reopen the inquests into the deaths of anti-apartheid stalwarts Chief Albert Luthuli and lawyer Griffith Mxenge.

According to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD), Chief Albert Luthuli, a renowned anti-apartheid activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, tragically passed away on 21 July 1967. Following an inquest held in Stanger Magistrate’s Court, it was ruled that Luthuli was indeed hit by a train near Gledhow station.

Mxenge, on the other hand, was assassinated by a hit squad of the apartheid regime. This was confirmed by commander Dirk Coetzee during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearings and was than granted amnesty. Reports stated that Mxenge’s body was found near Durban stadium with multiple stab wounds and his throat slit open.

In May 2024 , the former Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola accepted and acted on recommendations from the NPA to re-open inquests into the deaths of Luthuli, Mxenge and Booi Mantyi. Lamola also confirmed last year that an eyewitness who could not testify has already been identified and was willing to cooperate.

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, KwaZulu-Natal NPA spokesperson, stated that this inquest aimed to confront previous atrocities. According to Ramkisson-Kara, The NPA is going to present evidence to the court in an effort to overturn the initial conclusions into the deaths of Chief Luthuli and Mxenge. Ramkisson-Kara also said that the purpose of inquests is to determine how a person died and if anyone should be held accountable for their death.

Court proceedings are expected to be held at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Monday.