The courtroom buzzed with a mix of hope and despair as two senior police officers testified in the ongoing inquest into the death of renowned anti-apartheid leader Albert Luthuli. The proceedings, which have attracted significant attention, are a poignant reminder of the legacy of a man who fought tirelessly for the rights of his people.
Advocate Siyabonga Ngcobo, representing the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), led the testimony of Captain Godisamang Frank Kgamanyane of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. Kgamanyane faced considerable challenges while working on the case, disclosing that the original docket concerning Luthuli’s death had been discarded in accordance with a policy that allowed for such destruction after a certain duration.
Despite these setbacks, Kgamanyane was not deterred. He utilized the resources of the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Museum, enlisting the help of employee Brian Xaba, who provided archival information that included pivotal texts such as ‘Let My People Go’ and ‘Nobel Peace Prize Winner’. The investigation was further bolstered by insights and testimonies from Luthuli family members and a thorough examination of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report, which scrutinised the circumstances surrounding Luthuli’s untimely death.
Critical to the investigation was the medical report compiled by neurosurgeons at Stanger Hospital. Kgamanyane relayed his efforts to consult with the chief pathologist, Dr Nsele, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital. However, his time with the case was cut short before he could acquire Dr Nsele’s insights, leaving a vital piece of the puzzle unexamined.
Following Kgamanyane’s account, Colonel Johannes Mothle took the stand. Mothle, who succeeded Kgamanyane in exploring the TRC cases, detailed his own exploration of the investigation. He recounted consultations with numerous individuals, including members of the Luthuli family and an accident scene simulator. Nevertheless, Mothle admitted uncertainty regarding the simulation’s execution, stating that he had to exit the province before the expert’s work could be confirmed.
The courtroom was attended by notable figures, including ANC veterans such as former Justice Minister Jeff Radebe and former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sbu Ndebele. Their presence underscores the inquest’s significance not just for the Luthuli family but for the broader South African community yearning for closure and truth regarding this pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
The current inquest was initiated at the behest of then-Premier Willies Mchunu, responding to the Luthuli family’s calls for clarity and justice. As the session unfolded, it became clear that the search for answers is far from over. Mothle is expected to continue his testimony, providing further insights into a case that has lingered in uncertainty for decades.