Griffiths Mxenge inquest: Family deems it painful but necessary

JOHANNESBURG - The family of late anti-apartheid lawyer Griffiths Mxenge says the re-opening of the inquest into his death is painful but necessary to uncover the truth.

Earlier on Monday, the KwaZulu-Natal High Court sat for the fresh inquest into Mxenge’s death.

However, the matter could not proceed as the two remaining apartheid-era police officers who were found guilty of killing Mxenge did not have legal representation.

Griffiths Mxenge died a brutal death.

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He was stabbed 45 times on his face and upper body.

Mxenge’s family had to relive these details during his initial inquest and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Mxenge’s daughter, Ntombodidi Mxenge-Makhanye, says she’s willing to bear it again if it will bring justice for her father.

“We are grateful the truth is going to come out. It is going to open up wounds, but I think it is best that it comes out. We will heal when we know the truth, we will heal when the justice is done.”

The inquest has been postponed to 17 January for a decision on whether the South African Police Service will foot the legal bills of the two former apartheid officers.