The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has officially requested the reopening of the inquest into the disappearance of community activist Nicholas Majestic Boiki Tlhapi, who vanished 38 years ago after being detained by the South African Police Force.

Potchefstroom Herald reports Tlhapi, a 26-year-old member of the Ikageng Civic Association in Potchefstroom, was an active political voice during the turbulent 1980s. Reports indicate that on the evening of March 20, 1986, Tlhapi and 11 other mourners were en route to the funeral of three comrades shot by police. As they travelled in a taxi towards the funeral in Jouberton, their journey was interrupted in Klerksdorp when they were arrested under the State of Emergency declared by the apartheid government. While the others were released after being detained for about 14 days, Tlhapi was never seen again, and his whereabouts have remained unknown.

In a significant move, the minister of justice has invoked Section 17A(1) of the Inquests Act 58 of 1959 to request that the inquest into Tlhapi’s disappearance be reopened. The request has been made to the Judge President of the North West Division of the High Court, urging the designation of a judge to preside over the new proceedings.

Dr Rachel Makhari, the director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, expressed the significance of the reopening of the inquest. “This is a crucial step in uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability for the circumstances surrounding Tlhapi’s disappearance,” she said. “The National Prosecuting Authority is committed to pursuing justice in this matter.”

Tlhapi’s family and other relevant stakeholders have been notified of the reopening of the inquest, and a date for the hearing will be determined in due course.