NPA reopens inquest into apartheid-era killing of Booi Mantyi
Justice Minister Ronald Lamola has approved a request to reopen an inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist Booi Mantyi.
Image: File / GCIS
THE DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions in the Northern Cape will reopen an inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist Booi Mantyi, who was also the president of the De Aar Residents’ Association.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in the Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said Mantyi was fatally shot by the South African Police (SAP) in De Aar on June 16, 1985, during the commemoration of the Soweto uprising of June 16, 1976.
"It was alleged that he was part of a group who were rioting and pelting the police with stones. The police used a shotgun and live ammunition to shoot Mantyi. He was declared dead upon his arrival at the local hospital, hours after the shooting," said Senokoatsane.
He added that the cause of Mantyi’s death was recorded as multiple invasive wounds penetrating the heart and lungs, and internal bleeding.
"An inquest held in 1985 consisted mainly of the evidence of the members of the South African Police, who indicated that they acted in self-defence. The magistrate, JLK Von Reiche, accepted the version of the police members and found that no one could be held responsible for the death of Mantyi."
Senokoatsane said the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development approved the National Director of Public Prosecutions’ request to reopen the inquest, which was supported by the legal representatives of the Mantyi family.
"The matter will be enrolled for case management in the High Court of South Africa, Northern Cape Division, sitting in Kimberley, on November 18. Thereafter, a date will be determined for the hearing of the inquest, which is scheduled to take place in De Aar.
"The main goal of reopening the inquest is to lay new evidence that will enable the court to make a finding in terms of section 16(2)(d) of the Inquest Act 58 of 1959, as to whether the death was brought about by any act, or omission, which prima facie involves or amounts to an offence on the part of any person.
"The NPA, together with its partners, reaffirms its commitment to confronting the injustices of the past and to contributing towards healing and closure for the Mantyi family, other bereaved families, victims of past violations, and society at large," Senokoatsane concluded.