RE-OPENED INQUEST INTO THE DEATH OF ANTI-APARTHEID ACTIVIST MATTHEWS “MOJO” MABELANE COMMENCES IN JOHANNESBURG HIGH COURT

The re-opened inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist Matthews “Mojo” Mabelane commenced before the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division in Johannesburg. The re-opening of the inquest follows written authorisation by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development on 29 January 2025 in terms of the Inquests Act.

Matthews Mabelane, a 22-year-old anti-apartheid activist, died on 15 February 1977 while in detention at the then John Vorster Square police station under the interrogation of members of the apartheid-era Security Branch. At the time of his death, Mabelane had been detained in terms of Section 6 of the Terrorism Act 83 of 1967.

An inquest into his death was initially conducted at the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on 30 May 1977. The inquest was presided over by Magistrate W.P. Dormehl, who found that no person could be held responsible for Mabelane’s death. The finding concluded that he died as a result of multiple injuries sustained after allegedly falling accidentally from a ledge on the tenth floor of the John Vorster Square police station.

The National Prosecuting Authority’s Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Lwazi Ngodwana, opened the proceedings by providing background on the case and outlining the State’s position.

The State’s first witness was the Investigating Officer(IO), Mpho Livid Mashilo attached to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Task Team. The officer read his statement into the record, detailing the investigations conducted and the documentary records recovered regarding the circumstances that may have led to Mabelane’s death. Furthermore Mabelane’s brothers, Stephans, Phillip and Lash Mabelane testified about the profound pain and anguish experienced by the family following the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court’s finding that no person could be held accountable for his brother’s death.

The inquest proceedings are expected to continue until 12 June 2026.

The re-opened inquest reflects the NPA’s commitment to uncovering the truth, establishing the circumstances surrounding Matthews Mabelane’s death, and determining whether any person can be held criminally accountable.

Issued by:

Magaboke Mohlatlole

NPA Communications Officer – Gauteng Division, Johannesburg