South Africa reopens inquests into Nobel laureate’s fatal incident, a step towards justice for anti-apartheid figures and their families.
The re-opening of inquests into the deaths of two prominent anti-apartheid figures, Chief Albert Luthuli and lawyer Mlungisi Griffiths Mxenge, marks a significant development in South Africa’s quest for truth and justice. The re-opening is a result of new evidence emerging, which suggests that critical information was not presented to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) during their investigations.
The Case of Chief Albert Luthuli
Chief Albert Luthuli, a Nobel laureate and leader of the African National Congress (ANC), died in 1967 under circumstances that have long been disputed. ‘The official version of events is that he was walking on a railway line when he was struck by a train and died after fracturing his skull.’ However, activists and his family have cast doubts on this official version of events, suggesting that Luthuli’s death may have been orchestrated by the authorities.
Chief Albert Luthuli was a South African leader who advocated for non-violent resistance against apartheid.
Born in 1898, he became the President-General of the African National Congress (ANC) in 1952.
Luthuli's leadership and activism led to his Nobel Peace Prize win in 1960.
He played a crucial role in mobilizing international support against apartheid, using his influence to promote peaceful resistance.
Luthuli passed away in 1967, leaving behind a legacy as a champion of human rights and equality.
“We have always believed that there was more to his death than what was presented.’
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced that it will present evidence before the court in an attempt to overturn the initial findings into Luthuli’s death. However, the NPA has not specified what this evidence is. The family of Chief Luthuli and activists have welcomed the re-opening of the inquest, seeing it as a step towards justice for their loved one.
The Case of Mlungisi Griffiths Mxenge
Mlungisi Griffiths Mxenge was another prominent anti-apartheid figure who died under suspicious circumstances. He was stabbed 45 times and his throat slit before being killed in 1981. An inquest into his death a year later failed to identify his murderers, but it was not until nine years later that they were revealed.
Mlungisi Griffiths Mxenge was a South African anti-apartheid activist who worked closely with his brother, Griffiths Mxenge.
Born in 1947, Mlungisi became involved in the fight against apartheid at an early age.
He was arrested multiple times for his activism and spent time on Robben Island.
After his release from prison, Mlungisi continued to advocate for equality and human rights, playing a key role in the struggle against apartheid.
His contributions to the movement are still remembered today.
Justice is a complex and multifaceted concept that has evolved over time.
In ancient civilizations, justice was often associated with the rule of law and the protection of individual rights.
The Greek philosopher Aristotle defined justice as 'giving to each what is due.'
In modern times, justice is understood as the fair and impartial administration of laws, ensuring that individuals are treated equally under the law.
According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 83% of Americans believe that fairness is essential for justice to be served.
Butana Almond Nofemela, a member of a covert hit-squad, confessed to killing Mxenge and seven other ANC members. However, despite this new evidence, Mxenge’s family received amnesty from the TRC before the criminal case could be concluded. The re-opening of the inquest into Mxenge’s death is seen as an opportunity for justice to be served.
A Step Towards Justice
The re-opening of inquests into these anti-apartheid figures’ deaths marks a significant development in South Africa’s quest for truth and justice. It highlights the need for transparency and accountability, particularly when it comes to those who have been killed or persecuted under apartheid. As South Africa continues to grapple with its complex history, the re-opening of these inquests is an important step towards healing and reconciliation.
South Africa has a long way to go in terms of addressing the injustices of the past, but this development offers hope for justice to be served. By re-examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths of these anti-apartheid figures, South Africa can begin to close the chapter on its troubled history and move towards a brighter future.
