Inquest into Chief Albert Luthuli’s death adjourned to October

The reopened inquest into the death of former African National Congress leader Chief Albert Luthuli has been adjourned to 13 October for closing arguments.

In April, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reopened the inquest into Luthuli’s death which was heard at the High Court in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

A number of witnesses have testified including Luthuli’s family. Luthuli died in 1967 after being reportedly hit by a goods train in Groutville.

This inquest seeks to overturn the findings of the original one in 1967. His family and the ANC believed his death was not an accident as they suspected foul play.

The NPA’s Natasha Ramkisson-Kara says the State has concluded its witness list.

“In April this year, the NPA in KZN reopened the inquest in the death of Chief Luthuli. It this reopened inquest the NPA led an array of witnesses, including South African Police (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 Chief Luthuli. Today the State advised the court we have concluded the list of witnesses. Proceedings were adjourned to the period of 13 to 16 October 2025 for closing arguments.”