Closing arguments in Albert Luthuli inquest expected from NPA in October

THE ball is now with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) advocates to give Judge Nompumelelo Radebe a convincing argument that Inkosi Albert Luthuli was killed by apartheid operatives, not a goods train as it was found soon after he died in 1967.

- BONGANI HANS

Since the beginning of the inquest at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on April 14 advocates Ncedile Dunywa, Annah Chuene, Siyabonga Ngcobo, and Xolani Msimango have led an array of witnesses with evidence.

Those who testified included SAPS members, Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) officials, scene reconstruction and simulation experts, forensic analysts, medical evidence, family members of Chief Luthuli, anti-apartheid activists, and friends of Luthuli.

Former justice minister Jeff Radebe also testified.

The matter was postponed from June 11 to October 13, where the advocates would be given until October 16 to submit closing arguments.

The same court also postponed, on June 17, the inquest on the death of another struggle stalwart, Griffiths Mxenge, who was killed by stabbing in Umlazi on November 19, 1981, to October 9.

The Mxenge matter was first postponed on April 14 to give those who felt they might be implicated in his death, who were apartheid police officers at the time, a chance to apply for the government to provide them with legal representatives, as they were employed by the state when Mxenge was killed.