The long-standing belief that the Security Branch of the South African Police was behind the torture and subsequent death of Imam Abdullah Haron, a prominent Muslim cleric and anti-apartheid activist, has been confirmed by a recent judgement in a reopened inquest.
This judgement marks a significant moment for the Haron family, survivors of apartheid-era police violence and all who advocated for a free and fair South Africa.
Also read: Abdullah Haron: Inquest reopened 50 years after death in custody
The Cape Argus reports that, over half a century after his passing, emotions ran high for Imam Haron’s children – Shamela Shamis, Muhammed Haron and Fatiema Haron Masoet – when Judge Daniel Thulare delivered the verdict at the Western Cape High Court.
In recognition of the case’s gravity, Judge Thulare titled the judgement: ‘The last days in the life of the Imam and anti-apartheid guerilla: 28 May to 27 September 1969.’
Thulare made note of the neglect and mistreatment Imam Haron faced while in custody and the deterioration in his health due to intensified interrogations. Imam suffered escalating health issues, from chest pain to severe head, chest and stomach pain, until his death.
Despite warnings from close associates and knowledge of police informants within his religious community, Imam Haron chose to stay in South Africa. By 1965, he was labelled a ‘security risk’ by the Security Branch. In 1969, under the Terrorism Act of that time, he was arrested and later died at the Maitland Police Station.
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Authorities at the time claimed he died from a fall on a flight of stairs.
However, an initial 1970 inquest failed to hold anyone accountable for the suspicious circumstances of his death. Imam’s time in detention spanned 123 days, split between two police stations, with two days where his location was a mystery.
Judge Thulare detailed that Imam Haron’s death was a result of torture-induced injuries, citing specific medical conditions. He faced both psychological and physical torture, including threats, beatings and prolonged detention.
Six officers from the Security Branch were identified as continuously assaulting the already weak and suffering Imam in his last days. All these officers are now deceased.
The judgement also pointed out discrepancies and suspicious actions by the police, such as tampering with evidence at the scene of Imam’s detention. The previous findings from the 1970 inquest were dismissed by Judge Thulare, criticising their lack of pursuit of the truth.
Several medical professionals were reprimanded for their roles in the case and will be reviewed by the South African Medical and Dental Council.
Imam’s son, Professor Muhammed Haron, expressed that the judgement provided some closure, emphasising the importance of supporting other similar cases. The family is also in the process of writing a biography celebrating Imam’s remarkable life.
Fatima Haron-Masoet, Imam Haron’s youngest daughter, expressed her gratitude for the verdict, stating, ‘We have to say that we stand tall on the shoulders of our martyrs, and we give hope to the hopeless that’s still waiting for all the cases. The record will change now from the 1970s inquest, and that’s very important.’
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Picture: Shameemah Dollie Salie / Facebook
