-
Chief Albert Luthuli was born near Bulawayo in Zimbabwe in 1898.
KwaZulu-Natal Chief Pathologist Dr. Sibusiso Ntsele has questioned why former ANC President Chief Albert Luthuli was not transferred to a specialized hospital as his injuries required high quality medical attention.
Ntsele is testifying in the reopened inquest into Luthuli’s death.
The initial inquest which is being challenged suggests that Luthuli who died in 1967 was reportedly hit by a goods train in Groutville.
Ntsele’s testimony correlate with that of Luthuli’s grandson Mthunzi who raised similar concerns.
The court heard that Luthuli was admitted to Stanger Hospital which is less than an hour from King Edward Hospital which was equipped with highly experienced neurologists.
“Non-availability of clinical records such as nursing and doctor’s notes leave uncertainty regarding the quality-of-care Mr Luthuli received at Stanger provincial hospital. It remains unclear why Mr Luthuli was not taken to King Edward hospital particularly when neurosurgeon was required. Neuro surgical management and rehabilitation via Dr Yube would not have been optimized because Stanger hospital was not suited for neurosurgical patient but King Edward the 8th was equipped to provide neuro surgical management. The fact that Dr Yubem was called suggests that a decision for a specialist care was reached by those involved in Mr Luthuli’s clinical management. It therefore remains inexplicable that a district surgeon performed the autopsy instead of a forensic pathology.”
Video: GRAPHIC CONTENT: Inquest into the death of Chief Albert Luthuli – 14 May 2025
