The Pietermaritzburg High Court last week found that Chief Albert Luthuli’s 1967 death in Groutville was caused by an apartheid police assault.

Judge Nompumelelo Radebe ruled that the official government version of Luthuli dying in a train accident was a cover-up, and that the assault was planned.

The ruling followed the reopening of the inquest in April this year and was welcomed by the Luthuli family, who had long believed his death involved foul play.

“This outcome confirms Luthuli as a martyr, one whose life was sacrificed for the greater good of all peace-loving South Africans,” said family spokesperson Sandile Luthuli.

“His defiance of the apartheid regime, even under the harshest banning orders, made it untenable for them to keep him alive. This outcome further cements his place in history as an icon for peace, justice and human dignity.”

In her ruling, Judge Radebe said the original 1967 inquest report was riddled with “inconsistencies, omissions and timeline discrepancies.”

She found that the cause of death was a fractured skull and cerebral haemorrhage consistent with an assault, allegedly by members of the apartheid government’s security branch.

“She also found that various individuals, including the station master, train driver, railway police and fireman, had committed acts of defeating the ends of justice and perjury,” said National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara.

Judge Radebe further recommended investigating the disappearance of Mbhemu Mnyandu, who is believed to have witnessed the assault on Luthuli.

The national government and the African National Congress, of which Chief Luthuli was once president, also welcomed the outcome of the inquest.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.