APARTHEID-ERA DEATHS OF LIBERATION FIGURES RE-EXAMINED

After decades of waiting, the families of two South African anti-apartheid activists might finally learn the truth about what happened to their loved ones. The country's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has decided to re-open inquests into the deaths of former African National Congress leader Chief Albert Luthuli and human-rights lawyer and ANC member Griffiths Mxenge.

Luthuli, who in 1960 won the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his campaign against apartheid, was discovered dead on 21 July 1967. An investigation, widely seen as a sham, claimed he had been killed by a train. However, the NPA now says there is evidence indicating that the regime killed the ANC leader and dumped his body next to the rail tracks as a cover-up. In its opening submission at the inquest on 14 April, the NPA said different organs of the regime, such as the judiciary, health department and the police, colluded to hide key evidence that pointed to a murder and not an accident.

Despite the new inquest coming 58 years later, Luthuli's family have welcomed it, saying it will allow the family, especially his two daughters, who are now in their 90s, potentially to find closure.

Meanwhile, an inquest into the 1981 killing of Mxenge has been moved to June after the NPA requested more time to prepare its witnesses. Mxenge, who, despite numerous threats to his life, defended many anti-apartheid activists, was kidnapped and brutally murdered in the city of Durban.

Sources

https://x.com/MYANC/status/1911411729004634176

https://www.ewn.co.za/2025/04/14/npa-says-several-organs-of-apartheid-govt-colluded-in-a-lie-about-chief-albert-luthulis-death

https://sundayworld.co.za/politics/cops-doctors-magistrate-colluded-to-cover-up-albert-luthulis-death/

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/amp/news/2025-04-14-griffiths-mxenge-inquest-postponed-until-june-for-witness-preparation/