The reopened inquest into the 1967 death of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former African National Congress (ANC) president, Chief Albert Luthuli, has resumed in the Pietermaritzburg High Court. The proceedings aim to challenge the original inquest’s conclusion that Luthuli’s death was accidental, asserting instead that it was orchestrated by the apartheid regime to silence his activism.
Chief Luthuli died on 21 July 1967, reportedly after being struck by a train near his home in Groutville, KwaZulu-Natal. The initial inquest ruled the incident an accident. However, his family and the ANC have long contested this finding, alleging that the apartheid government was responsible for his death. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has reopened the case, citing new evidence and testimonies that suggest a possible cover-up involving state security forces and judicial officials.
During the resumed hearings, new witnesses are expected to testify, including individuals who may provide firsthand accounts or corroborate claims of foul play. Notably, a steam train expert, Les Labuschagne, is set to continue his testimony, potentially shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Luthuli’s death. Additionally, Isaiah Mdletshe, 70, testified that his uncle, Barnabas Mnyandu, had told him that his younger brother witnessed an assault on Luthuli near a stationary train. Albertina Luthuli, Chief Luthuli’s daughter, also testified about police harassment during apartheid.
The inquest is scheduled to continue until mid-June, with the court examining the new evidence and testimonies presented. The outcome could lead to a revision of the historical record concerning Chief Luthuli’s death and potentially hold accountable those responsible for any wrongdoing.
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