In a significant turn of events, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has expressed its approval of the Western Cape High Court’s decision to set aside the findings of the inquest regarding the untimely demise of anti-apartheid icon, Imam Abdullah Haron, in September 1969.
The original 1970 inquest concluded that Imam Haron had succumbed to myocardial ischemia while detained in the Maitland police station cells. Contributing factors were believed to be related to a disturbance in his blood clotting mechanism and circulation, partially triggered by trauma on top of pre-existing severe coronary artery narrowing. An accidental fall down a flight of stone stairs was identified as a substantial source of this trauma.
However, the recent ruling by Judge Daniel Thulare has shed new light on the case. Judge Thulare declared that Haron’s death could be attributed to the cumulative effects of injuries inflicted during torture. He unequivocally held the Security Branch of the South African Police accountable for their actions and inactions that directly led to Haron’s tragic demise.
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Judge Thulare bluntly stated, “The magistrate’s finding, which essentially reduced the imam’s death to a mere stumble followed by a heart attack, can only be viewed as a mockery of justice over the past 53 years. It would be laughable if it did not inflict such deep pain and anguish on those seeking the truth and closure.”
The NPA’s involvement in this case dates back to September 1, 2021, when they were requested to reopen the inquest. After approaching Justice Minister Ronald Lamola, they successfully secured the reopening of the case in March the following year. Subsequently, a presiding officer was appointed on May 30, 2022, and proceedings under the Inquest Act began in November.
Eric Ntabazalila, the spokesperson for the NPA, provided a timeline of events, stating, “The reopened inquest revealed that Imam Haron was initially arrested on May 28, 1969, and held in detention in Cape Town. He was later transferred to Maitland police station on August 11, 1969, where he remained until his tragic demise on September 27, 1969.” Ntabazalila also highlighted the police’s suspicion of Haron’s involvement with the banned Pan Africanist Congress and alleged receipt of unlawful funds from overseas through local banks.
Nicolette Bell, the Western Cape director of public prosecutions, warmly welcomed the court’s judgment. She emphasized that it underscores the NPA’s unwavering commitment to pursuing priority cases related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
The NPA remains resolute in its mission to ensure accountability for TRC-related crimes and justice for the victims and their families as they seek answers about their loved ones. Ntabazalila emphasized that over the past few years, the NPA and the Hawks have diligently worked to bolster their capacity and streamline processes for the effective handling of TRC cases, including reopening and pursuing priority cases.
Ntabazalila provided insight into their efforts, stating, “We have appointed sixteen prosecutors and thirty-nine investigators within various divisions who exclusively handle TRC matters, working closely with the affected families to investigate cases of murder, torture, and disappearances.”
He also revealed that a total of 135 cases are currently under investigation, with some already progressing to prosecutions, while others are undergoing inquests or being re-evaluated to ascertain the circumstances and responsibility surrounding these tragic deaths.
Ntabazalila concluded with a sobering reminder, “The passage of time presents numerous challenges in the investigation of these matters. However, time is not on our side, and our pursuit of justice must persist.”
