Progress in Highgate Hotel massacre inquiry: NPA pleased with developments
Progress in Highgate Hotel massacre inquiry: NPA pleased with developments! The formal inquiry into the 1993 Highgate Hotel massacre has made significant progress, with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) expressing satisfaction with the developments so far. The inquest, which began last Monday, aims to determine accountability for the deadly shooting spree that left five people dead and seven others wounded.
Inquiry Progress and Adjournment
The NPA announced on Friday that it is pleased with how the proceedings have unfolded over the past two weeks. The inquiry, which was referred to the NPA by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), has been adjourned until March 24 to 27, 2025.
According to NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, the case has now seen testimonies from twelve witnesses, including:
- Investigating officers from the Hawks
- Survivors of the attack
- Family members of the deceased
- Ballistics experts
- Private investigators hired by the victims’ families
Tyali also confirmed that the inquest had conducted an on-site inspection at the Highgate Hotel to further analyze the crime scene.
Highgate Hotel massacre inquiry
Revisiting the Highgate Hotel Massacre
The massacre occurred in 1993, during a time of intense political violence as South Africa approached its first democratic elections in 1994.
On the night of the attack, unknown gunmen stormed the bar area of the Highgate Hotel in East London, opening fire indiscriminately. The five victims who lost their lives were:
- Derek John Whitfield
- Deon Harris
- Douglas Gates
- Boyce Michael Wheeler
- Stanley Hacking
Additionally, seven other people were wounded, including:
- Neville Beling
- Karl Weber
- Billy Baling
- Megan Boucher
- Charles Bodington
- Nkosinathi Alfred Gontshi (now deceased)
- Doreen Roussouw (now deceased)
Was APLA Responsible? Unanswered Questions Remain
Before the attack, a mysterious phone call was made by someone identifying himself as Carl Zimbiri, a member of the Internal High Command of the Azanian People’s Liberation Army (APLA).
Despite this, APLA’s director of operations, Letlapa Mphahlele, denied any involvement in the attack.
While many suspected the armed wing of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) to be behind the massacre, subsequent investigations failed to prove this conclusively.
Adding to the mystery, the TRC hearings included testimonies from three survivors and two family members of the victims, yet no one ever applied for amnesty regarding the attack.
Tyali stated that the inquest will address allegations made by some witnesses regarding NPA officials, ensuring that both individuals and the organization’s reputation are cleared through due process.
Seeking Justice and Closure
The NPA, along with the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR), emphasized that while APLA had claimed responsibility for other violent attacks during that era, it never formally took credit for the Highgate Hotel massacre.
As the inquiry unfolds, the NPA hopes that the inquest will bring much-needed closure to:
- The families of the victims
- The survivors of the attack
- The public at large
“The DPP and the team wish to thank all the witnesses who have testified so far,” Tyali stated.
Meanwhile, the Highgate Survivors Support Group, formed in 2007, has relentlessly pushed for answers and justice for their lost loved ones.
With the inquiry set to continue in March 2025, there is hope that the truth behind the Highgate Hotel massacre will finally come to light.
In other news – Oscar Mbo treats himself to a luxury BMW X5M – WATCH
South African influencer and DJ Oscar Mbo has once again made headlines—this time for spoiling himself with a high-end BMW SUV. The popular DJ, whose real name is Mbongeni Ndlovu, is widely recognized for his exceptional DJing skills, stylish fashion choices, and vibrant online presence.
This week, he took to social media to showcase his latest purchase: a BMW X5M, an elite vehicle known for its luxury, power, and speed. The flamboyant DJ shared a video clip on his social media platforms, capturing the moment he collected the BMW X5M. The post quickly gained traction, with thousands of fans congratulating him on his new ride. Read More
