NPA intensifies investigations on Haffajjee TRC case

NPA intensifies investigations on Haffajjee TRC case

The current leadership of the NPA remains committed to ensuring accountability for TRC crimes. The NPA has bolstered its capacity in this regard, and is working closely with the TRC Unit within the DPCI to intensify investigations into the death of the late Hoosen Haffajee. 

This follows the NPA’s decision to re-open the inquest and the subsequent KwaZulu-Natal High Court’s decision which recommended criminal charges against police officers and an informant implicated in the brutal killing of Mr Haffajjee, an anti-apartheid activist, 46 years ago.

On Wednesday, Judge Zaba Nkosi set aside a March 1978 ruling by an apartheid-era magistrate who found that Haffajee took his own life while in detention. 

The NPA welcomes this decision which comes as a result of the organisation’s commitment to pursuing priority TRC cases. Important progress is being made: As it stands, 88 matters have been re-opened for investigation, with 16 matters where decisions were taken. We have 11 matters on the criminal court roll where suspects have been charged or where inquests have been opened. Presently there are 135 matters under investigation. A detailed overview of these measures was presented to Parliament in November 2022.

As part of this effort, the NPA appointed an experienced senior counsel to review the measures that have been adopted to deal with and prosecute TRC matters and to provide recommendations as needed. This is in line with the remarks made by the Full Bench in Rodrigues v National Director of Public Prosecutions of South Africa and Others 76755/2018) (2019) in the South Gauteng High Court in 2019.  

The NPA will implement required additional measure to ensure accountability for TRC matters, despite the regrettable delays stemming from past inaction. 

With regard to the Haffajee matter, the NPA will engage his family to ensure that they are regularly updated and empowered until the matter is finalised.  

The NPA is committed to supporting families as they strive for closure to this tragic chapter of our country’s history. Justice must prevail without any further delays. 

Issued by,

Adv Mthunzi Mhaga

NPA Spokesperson

0836418141