Haron family recall pain of losing their father, want other families to also find closure

CAPE TOWN - The family of Imam Abdullah Haron has spoken of their loss on the 55th anniversary of his tragic death.

Haron, who was a prominent anti-apartheid activist, died on 27 September 1969 while in police custody.

Last year, the outcome of an initial inquest into Haron's death was overturned after the high court ruled that he most likely died after being tortured by apartheid police.

Haron's daughter, Fatiema Haron-Masoet, said that she never got the opportunity to get to know her father because she was only six years old when he died in prison.

"He could never get to know me. The pain of having the loss of a parent stays deeply embedded in one's heart and soul. Nothing can make up for that."

Haron's son, Professor Muhammed Haron, said that while his father's inquest was concluded, there were many other families who also need closure.

"We commemorate this day and we do so with the fact that we reached some form of conclusion, but we are also mindful of the fact that there are many other individuals who were killed while held in detention, whose inquests still need to be opened."

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that it was still deliberating whether retired police officer Johannes Burger should face prosecution for his role in Haron's death, while the State said that it was committed to prosecuting all of the remaining 135 TRC-related cases.