The inquest into the disappearance of North West anti-apartheid activist Boiki Tlhapi has been postponed to November 2026 as authorities continue efforts to uncover the truth surrounding his decades-long disappearance.
The Mahikeng High Court confirmed that the inquest will resume from 16 to 27 November 2026 following a preliminary hearing held on Monday.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) North West spokesperson Lindiwe Mabasa said the postponement was necessary to allow parties to complete important pre-trial processes.
“These include submissions by the defence, the availability of witnesses, evidence, related documentation as well as the requirements of Section 16 of the Inquests Act,” Mabasa said.
The renewed investigation into Tlhapi’s disappearance comes more than 30 years after he went missing and follows the appearance of three persons of interest before the Mahikeng High Court in March.
An earlier inquest was opened in 1995 but could not reach a conclusion on whether Tlhapi had died or determine the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Tlhapi reportedly disappeared shortly after being released from detention in 1986. He had been arrested while travelling from Potchefstroom to attend the funeral of a fellow anti-apartheid activist.
His disappearance remains one of the unresolved cases linked to South Africa’s apartheid era, with his family continuing to seek answers and closure.
Relatives have welcomed the reopening of the investigation, expressing hope that the latest legal process will finally reveal what happened to Tlhapi and provide accountability after decades of uncertainty.
The November 2026 inquest is expected to hear further evidence as the court examines witness accounts, documentation and other information related to the activist’s disappearance.
