A South African court has ruled that Nobel laureate Albert Luthuli's 1967 death was the result of an assault by apartheid police, overturning decades of claims that it was an accident. An inquest held during apartheid concluded that Luthuli, the first African to win the Nobel Peace Prize, died after being struck by a freight train while walking along a railway line. However, activists and his family long disputed this conclusion, prompting the government to reopen the case this year. The judge determined that Luthuli died from a fractured skull and cerebral hemorrhage associated with an assault, identifying members of the apartheid security forces as responsible. The ruling has been hailed as a significant step towards justice for victims of apartheid, as it may pave the way for criminal charges against those implicated.
South Africa Court Declares Nobel Laureate Luthuli's Death a Police Assault
South Africa Court Declares Nobel Laureate Luthuli's Death a Police Assault
A groundbreaking ruling reopens the case of Albert Luthuli, the first African Nobel Peace Prize winner, declaring his 1967 death an assault by apartheid police.
A South African court has determined that Albert Luthuli, a celebrated anti-apartheid leader and Nobel laureate, was killed due to a police assault, dismissing past claims that he died accidentally. His family and supporters have long doubted the original findings, which stated he was hit by a train. The ruling could lead to new criminal charges against those involved in his death, representing a significant step towards justice for victims of apartheid.
