The North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng has postponed the inquest into the alleged death and disappearance of anti-apartheid activist Nicholas Boiki Tlhapi to 2 March 2026. This follows a brief appearance by three persons of interest on Monday.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) provincial spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya, said the matter was delayed to give the individuals time to secure legal representation.
“During today’s proceedings, three persons of interest appeared before the court and were informed of their rights to legal representation. The matter was postponed to allow them sufficient time to finalise their application for legal representation,” Gunya said.
Speaking to YOU FM, Tlhapi’s younger brother, Teffo Tlhapi, said the family remains committed to uncovering the truth behind his disappearance.
“This occurrence has weighed heavily on us, leaving the family with more questions than answers,” he said.
Tlhapi, a 26-year-old community activist and member of the Ikageng Civic Association in Potchefstroom, was arrested alongside fellow activists on 20 March 1986 in Jouberton while travelling to Klerksdorp to attend the funeral of three comrades killed by police. Although the group was released 14 days later, Tlhapi never returned home and has not been seen in 39 years.
A first inquest into his disappearance took place in 1995 at the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court, but the court found it could not rule beyond reasonable doubt that Tlhapi was deceased.
Tlhapi’s legacy continues to be honoured, including through a community clinic named after him. His case is among several reopened by the state in an effort to bring closure to families of apartheid-era victims and pursue accountability for unresolved cases.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has previously emphasised the importance of reopening these matters, expressing confidence that despite challenges, the state remains determined to secure convictions where possible.
