The NPA has reopened the inquest into Chief Albert Luthuli’s death, claiming an apartheid-era conspiracy to cover up the true cause of his death.
Key Points:
- The NPA is reopening the inquest into Luthuli’s death based on new evidence.
- Experts, including pathologists and train operators, are set to testify about inconsistencies in the original investigation.
- Family members and prominent figures will provide testimonies about Luthuli’s harassment by apartheid forces.
NPA Claims Cover-Up in Chief Albert Luthuli’s Death
The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Truth and Reconciliation Unit (TRC) in KwaZulu-Natal has claimed that several apartheid-era government entities colluded to cover up the true cause of Chief Albert Luthuli’s death. The allegations surfaced during the reopening of the inquest at the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg on Monday.
New Evidence Exposes the Conspiracy
During his opening statement, Deputy Director for Public Prosecutions in KZN, Advocate Ncedile Dunywa, revealed that new evidence would expose a conspiracy. This conspiracy allegedly involved security police, district surgeons, pathologists, prosecutors, and magistrates, including the one who presided over the original inquest. “Evidence shall be placed before your Ladyship, which will expose collusion between the security police, district surgeons, pathologists, prosecutors, and magistrates,” Dunywa said.
The Investigation into Luthuli’s Death
Luthuli, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and president-general of the African National Congress (ANC), died on July 21, 1967. He reportedly died after a goods train struck him near his home in Groutville. An initial investigation found no evidence of criminal culpability. Born in 1898, Luthuli played a pivotal role in the anti-apartheid struggle. He led major resistance campaigns such as the 1952 Defiance Campaign. The apartheid regime stripped him of his chieftaincy and placed him under house arrest.
NPA’s Action Based on Section 17A of the Inquest Act
The NPA reopened the inquest based on Section 17A of the Inquest Act No. 58 of 1959. This section allows for a new inquest if it is necessary for the sake of justice. Dunywa emphasized that for more than 50 years, Luthuli’s family, friends, and the international community have sought the truth behind his death. They have long wanted to uncover the facts surrounding it.
Expert Testimony to Challenge Initial Findings
The NPA, in collaboration with the Hawks, the TRC units at provincial and national levels, and the National Archives, plans to present new evidence. This evidence aims to challenge the initial findings. Dunywa indicated that expert testimony would be crucial in overturning the case. He also mentioned that Dr. Sibusiso Ntsele, the chief pathologist for KwaZulu-Natal, would testify. Ntsele will argue that Luthuli’s injuries, including bruises on his hands and a fractured ulna, suggest he was assaulted and tried to defend himself. These injuries contradict the claim that a moving train struck him. Ntsele will also discuss the inadequate medical care Luthuli received. This lack of care reflected the apartheid regime’s racially discriminatory health system.
Investigators Recover Critical Evidence
Further investigation into the case led to the recovery of archived justice department files. Investigators, including SAPS officials Captain Frank Kgamanyane, Colonel Johannes Mothle, and Lt. Colonel Thomas Steyn, have worked tirelessly on this case. They have secured testimony from experts in locomotive operations. For example, steam train driver Lesley Labuschagne and boilermaker Gert van Tonder will testify about the train’s capabilities. They will help determine whether the train could have caused the injuries found on Luthuli’s body.
Discrepancies in the Initial Investigation
Retired outpatient clerk Haji Hanif Manjoo will challenge earlier evidence regarding who transported Luthuli to Stanger Hospital, where he later died. Manjoo claims the ambulance driver identified in the original inquest was not the actual driver. His testimony could reveal discrepancies in the initial investigation.
Luthuli’s Family and Prominent Figures Set to Testify
Luthuli’s family members, including his daughter, Dr. Albertinah Luthuli, his grandson, Mthunzi Luthuli, and his daughter-in-law, Wilheminah Mary Luthuli, are expected to testify. They will discuss the harassment Luthuli endured from state security forces. ANC KZN convener Jeff Radebe and other prominent figures will also provide historical context. They will explain Luthuli’s leadership and the persecution of Black South Africans under apartheid.
