NPA agrees to open inquest into Highgate Massacre
On 1 May, it will be 31 years since gunmen stormed the Highgate Hotel in East London, killing five and wounding seven.
FILE: National Prosecuting Authority offices in Pretoria. Picture: Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - More than three decades since five people were shot dead at an East London hotel, in what became known as the Highgate Massacre, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has agreed to open an inquest.
It’s one of scores of Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases that have never been pursued.
The Foundation for Human Rights, which supports victims of the attack, says it’s high time a proper investigation is carried out.
On 1 May, it will be 31 years since gunmen stormed the Highgate Hotel in East London, killing five and wounding seven.
At the time, it was alleged the balaclava-clad attackers carrying AK-47 rifles were from the Azanian People’s Liberation Army but it’s always denied responsibility.
Three survivors and family members of two of the victims testified before the TRC, but no amnesty applications were ever received.
The Foundation for Human Rights represents two of the survivors - Neville Beling and Karl Weber and the family of Deon Harris who was killed.
“The passage of time and the murky circumstances surrounding the incident itself, may make it difficult to come to any significant conclusion. But we will wait to see what kind of evidence is presented before the inquest. We hope there will be some positive outcome,” said the foundation's executive director Zaid Kimmie.
The motive for the attack remains unknown.