Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
13 July 2023 | 16:42 CAT

Judge Motsamai Makume hands down judgment on Tuesday at the reopened inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist Ernest Moabi Dipale. Image: David Forbes/Shadow Films

Families of the apartheid struggle heroes celebrate another victory in a South African court. The South Gauteng High Court has ruled that anti-apartheid activist Ernest Moabi Dipale did not die by suicide; instead, his death resulted from the actions of apartheid police stationed at John Voster Square. Dipale was found hanging while in custody in August 1982.

Judge Motsamai Makume delivered the judgment at the reopened inquest hearing on Tuesday.

Under similar circumstances, Dipole was found hanging in detention at John Voster Square on 08 August 1982, six months after Dr Neil Agett’s death. His death was declared as a suicide by the inquest hearing concluded on 01 June 1983. The inquest found that no one could be liable for Dipale’s death.

The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, instructed that the Dipale inquest be heard jointly with the Aggett inquest as they both died at John Voster Square under similar circumstances, were arrested under the same Terrorism Act/ Internal Security Act and were allegedly interrogated by the same former security branch officers. The court had to reconsider the entire evidence by the 1983 inquest considered out. Amongst the challenges that the court was faced with was that only three people, the pathologist, the investigating officer and the police officer that was guarding the cells on the day, were said to have testified in the 1983 inquest. No record of such testimonies could be found. The court was not able to know what they said in their testimonies.

Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the NPA was determined to solve cases stemming from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“The NPA continues in its efforts to deal with cases stemming from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The NPA will move with speed to study the judgment and act on the judge’s recommendations. The NPA also commends advocate Mothibe and Mlotshwa for the outstanding work done in the inquest,” said Mjonondwane.

Listen to the interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and his guest, Imtiaz Cajee, the nephew of struggle hero Ahmed Timol.