I know the truth about how my son died is going to come out one day…… I want to know the truth about how my boy died. I’m very heart sore and I will not rest until I find out who the killers are. I will never never believe my honest, home – loving and caring son took his own life.
Fatima Haffejee – Mother of Hoosen
Volume K, items 4, page 2641 (2681 of PDF).
COURT RULES DR HOOSEN HAFFEJEE DID NOT HANG HIMSELF BUT TORTURED TO DEATH
The cause of death of Dr Hoosen Haffejee is attributed to either of the two following possibilities:
(a) Hoosen died following a cardiac incident while under torture; alternatively
(b) Hoosen died from a cardiac incident caused by ligature constriction applied by the Security Branch members either while as conscious, unconscious or debilitated after torture.
READ FULL JUDGMENT HERE: JUDGE ZP NKOSI J
PART 1
PART 2
Inquest judgment into the death of struggle stalwart underway
Haffajee was found hanging in a Brighton Beach police cell in 1977.
The Pietermaritzburg High Court began handing down judgment on Wednesday on its findings on an inquest into the death of struggle stalwart Dr Hoosen Haffejee.
He was found hanging in a Brighton Beach police cell in 1977.
Haffajee’s family and long-time comrade Yusuf Bhamjee were attending the hearing.
His arrest in 1977, according to Judge Z P Nkosi, followed a thorough surveillance by the Durban police security branch.
This was after a woman who, according to the court, was jealous of his relationship with another woman and turned against him, tipping off the security branch about his political activities.
The purpose of the inquest is to do justice to Haffejee’s life and death, and to the “struggle for truth and closure by the Haffejee family”, according to the family’s legal team.
Hoosen Haffajee inquest: Murdered anti-apartheid activist sold out by scorned lover, court hears
- A scorned lover sold out an anti-apartheid activist because she was upset he was dating another woman.
- Judge Zaba Nkosi on Wednesday, ruled Hoosen Haffajee, a dentist who died in August 1977, was killed by the apartheid Security Branch instead of suicide as previously alleged.
- The judge said the activist had infuriated his torturers by refusing to give into their interrogation and they subsequently killed him in a “barbaric manner”.
A woman who was in a relationship with anti-apartheid activist Hoosen Haffajee sold him out to the apartheid Security Branch because she was upset he was in a relationship with another woman, the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg has said.
On Wednesday, Judge Zaba Nkosi read his long-awaited judgment on the reopened inquest which probed the murder of Haffajee by the Security Branch 46 years ago.
On 2 August 1977, Haffajee, then a 26-year-old dentist, was making his way to work at the George V Hospital (now known as King Dinuzulu) when he was abducted and taken into police custody.
According to Nkosi, Haffajee was “severely tortured” and subjected to dehumanising conditions that included being forced to drink toilet water.
Tears of joy as reopened inquest finds political activist Dr Hoosen Haffajee didn’t kill himself
There were tears of joy at the Pietermaritzburg high court on Wednesday when a judge set aside the death by suicide inquest findings for political activist Dr Hoosen Haffajee, who died in police cells in Brighton Beach in August 1977.
Judge Zaba Nkosi found there were sufficient reasons to set aside the findings of an original inquest, during judgment on Tuesday of a reopened inquiry into Haffejee’s death, giving his family and friends much-needed closure.
Court rules Dr Hoosen Haffejee died through torture at the hands of apartheid security and recommends surviving officers be charged
Written by Kailene Pillay Multimedia Journalist, IOL Politics
Published Sep 13, 2023
Forty-six years after Dr Hoosen Mia Haffejee died a torturous death when he was found hanging in his cell at Brighton Beach Police Station on August 3, 1977. The Pietermaritzburg High Court has offered closure to his family by ruling that his death was not suicide, as claimed by apartheid Security Forces.
Pietermaritzburg Judge Zaba Nkosi handed down a lengthy and detailed judgment on Wednesday, setting aside the original inquest findings of 1978 by Magistrate Trevor Blunden and recommending that those surviving officers involved in the death be charged by the National Prosecuting Authority.
Court rules anti-apartheid activist Dr Hoosen Haffejee’s death was not suicide
Death of political activist Hoosen Haffejee to be reopened
A decades-long case into the death of political activist Hoosen Haffejee is being reopened after a Pietermaritzburg judge ruled that the Durban dentist was murdered.
The high court says those linked to his killing in 1977 must be held responsible.
Haffejee died at the Brighton Beach police cells after he was detained for his alleged involvement in anti-apartheid activities.
It was previously ruled he’d taken his own life.
The NPA began investigations after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission wrapped up proceedings.
“The inquest was thus reopened, and new additional evidence was presented to the inquest court,” says the NPA in KZN’s Natasha Kara.
“In reaching his decision, Judge Z P Nkosi considered the evidence from medical experts disputing that Haffejee’s death was self-inflicted, the testimonies of other detainees who also endured interrogations by the SA Police Security Branch, and an inspection in loco of the crime scene, where an expert had reconstructed the scene.”
https://www.ecr.co.za/news/news/death-political-activist-hoosen-haffejee-be-reopened/
COURT RULES DR HOOSEN HAFFEJEE DID NOT HANG HIMSELF BUT TORTURED TO DEATH
Following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, an inquest into his death found that his death was self-inflicted. But medical experts have since testified that Haffejee likely died due to a cardiac incident from being strangled.
JOHANNESBURG – The Pietermaritzburg High Court has ruled that anti-apartheid activist Dr Hoosen Haffejee did not hang himself – but was tortured to death.
Haffejee died in the Brighton Beach police cells in August 1977 – after being charged with terrorism by the apartheid government.
Following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, an inquest into his death found that his death was self-inflicted.
However, on Wednesday, judge Zaba Nkosi overturned that decision following evidence by medical experts who testified that Haffejee likely died due to a cardiac incident from being strangled.
DAILY MAVERICK – JUSTICE DELAYED
Durban anti-apartheid activist Hoosen Haffejee was murdered, finds judge who slams NPA for failing to pursue TRC cases
The finding at the reopened inquest into the death of dentist Hoosen Haffejee is another step forward for families waiting for the truth about the death of their loved ones in apartheid prisons.
Every day for the past 46 years, Sarah Lall has remembered the departed in her prayers. There’s always a special devotion for her younger brother, Hoosen Haffejee. On Wednesday, 13 September, she finally got to add a prayer of thanks.
Court rules Hoosen Haffejee’s death was not self-inflicted
The Pietermaritzburg High Court has ruled that the August 1977 death of Dr Hoosen Haffejee was not self-inflicted, in contradiction to the finding of an initial inquest held in this regard.
The Durban anti-apartheid activist died 46 years ago at the Brighton Beach police station after he was detained by the Special Branch police officers on suspicion of his involvement in the struggle.
“Following an interrogation at the police station, Haffejee was found deceased in a cell with his trousers twisted around his neck, suggesting a possible ‘hanging’.
“An inquest held by the government at that time ruled that nobody could be held liable for Haffejee’s death and that the cause of his death was likely self-inflicted,” a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) read.
https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/court-rules-hoosen-haffejees-death-was-not-self-inflicted
Dr Hoosen Haffejee tortured to death by apartheid government, court rules
Dr Haffejee died a torturous death when he was found hanging in his cell at Brighton Beach Police Station on 3 August, 1977.
Court rules on anti-apartheid activist Dr Hoosen Haffejee’s death
The Pietermaritzburg High Court has found that the death in detention of anti-apartheid activist Dr Hoosen Haffejee wasn’t suicide and that the security policemen who tortured and interrogated him were responsible for his death. The 26-year-old Pietermaritzburg-born dentist was found hanged in a Brighton Beach police cell on the 3rd of August in 1977, a day after he was arrested by members of the Special Branch. The inquest into his death was reopened in 2018 and was heard in 2021.
‘Suicide’ of struggle stalwart was apartheid police cover-up – KZN court
Dr Hoosen Haffejee was found hanging in his police cell in 1977, but 46 years later his family finally has some closure.
The family of late struggle stalwart Dr Hoosen Haffejee is delighted with the findings of the second inquest into his death.
The Pietermaritzburg High Court yesterday ruled that Haffejee did not commit suicide, but was murdered and that the apartheid police special branch covered this up.
Pietermaritzburg High Court Judge ZP Nkosi overturned the 1978 inquest finding of magistrate Trevor Blunden, who ruled that Haffejee had killed himself by hanging.
It has taken 46 years for the family and friends to find closure on the matter, family lawyer Anwar Suleman Jessop said yesterday.
Haffajee family wants justice for activist’s murder
Justice after 46 Years: Brother of anti-apartheid activist, Hoosen Haffejee killed by Security Branch reveals family’s emotional journey
Written by Lee Rondganger AM Editor, IOL 14 Sep
“A big burden has been lifted off our souls and in our hearts”.
These were the words of Ahmed Hafejee, the brother of anti-apartheid activist, Dr Hoosen Mia Haffejee whose death in police detention 46 years ago, was on Wednesday ruled a murder.
Members of the notorious apartheid police’s Security Branch have been named and directly implicated in killing the 26-year-old doctor in cells at the Brighton Beach Police station in Durban on August 3, 1977.
A 1978 inquest into Dr Haffejees death by Magistrate TL Blunden had found that his death had been self-inflicted.
HOOSEN HAFFEJEE’S FAMILY WELCOMES FINDING HE DID NOT COMMIT SUICIDE IN DETENTION
The 26-year-old anti-apartheid activist was found hanging in his cell at Durban’s Brighton Beach Police Station on 3 August 1977. Less than 24 hours before that, he had been arrested under the Terrorism Act and on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the state.
JOHANNESBURG – The family of Dr Hoosen Haffejee has welcomed a court decision overturning the original finding that the anti-apartheid activist killed himself in detention.
But their lawyer said it was painful for them to hear the details of what he went through in court.
The 26-year-old Haffejee was found hanging in his cell at Durban’s Brighton Beach Police Station on 3 August 1977.
Less than 24 hours before that, he had been arrested under the Terrorism Act and on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the state.
Court Ruling Overturns Suicide Finding in Historic Case of Dr. Hoosen Haffejee’s Death
CENTRAL NEWS: The Pietermaritzburg High Court: A Milestone in the Search for Justice
The Pietermaritzburg High Court has overturned the long-standing belief that the death of anti-apartheid activist Dr. Hoosen Haffejee in August 1977 was a suicide. This verdict contradicts the findings of the original inquest, which concluded that Dr. Haffejee’s death was self-inflicted.
Dr. Haffejee, a prominent figure in the Durban anti-apartheid movement, tragically lost his life while in police custody at the Brighton Beach police station. He had been detained by Special Branch officers who suspected his involvement in the struggle against apartheid.
Our Viewpoint | Haffejee judgment
Haffejee’s family never believed the story told to them, that Haffejee hanged himself in his cell.
The family of murdered struggle stalwart Hoosen Haffejee has waited 46 years for the closure that comes with the vindication of their belief that Haffejee’s death in police custody in 1977 was at the hands of security branch officers, and not by suicide, which the previous inquest maintained.
Wednesday’s judgment in the second inquest into Haffejee’s death brought to light the common practice of writing off the deaths of tortured anti-apartheid activists as suicides to cover up the horrific abuse these victims endured. This has been the reality for many families of freedom fighters, who were told their loved one committed suicide under police custody.
https://www.citizen.co.za/witness/opinion/our-viewpoint-haffejee-judgment/
Hoosen Haffajee murder probe needs fresh start – expert
This after a court ruled the political activist didn’t take his own life in police cells in Durban over four decades ago.
The apartheid police’s security branch claimed the 26-year-old dentist hanged himself at Brighton Beach, where he was being held for his involvement in anti-apartheid activities.
The NPA reopened a probe in 2019 and this week the Pietermaritzburg High Court ruled that the doctor didn’t commit suicide.
https://www.ecr.co.za/news/news/hoosen-haffajee-murder-probe-needs-fresh-start-expert/
Justice at last for Hoosen Haffejee as death in custody ruled murder
Written by Kuben Chetty KwaZulu-Natal Politics and Opinions Editor
Published Sep 17, 2023
Durban – The family of anti-apartheid activist Dr Hoosen Mia Haffejee said they had finally found closure after the Pietermaritzburg High Court ruled that he had not died by suicide and had been murdered by the apartheid government.
Haffejee died at the Brighton Beach police station, on August 3, 1977, after he was detained by Special Branch police officers on suspicion of his involvement in anti-apartheid activities.
Death of Dr Hoosen Mia Haffejee was not self-inflicted, court rules
Written by Lehlohonolo Mashigo Published Sep 17, 2023 IOL NEWS
Johannesburg – The Pietermaritzburg High Court (inquest court) has ruled that the August 1977 death of Dr Hoosen Mia Haffejee was not self-inflicted, in contradiction to the finding of an initial inquest held in this regard.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), in 1977, Haffejee died at the Brighton Beach police station after he was detained there by Special Branch police officers on suspicion of his involvement in anti-apartheid activities.
Court rules Hoosen Haffejee’s death was not self-inflicted
RISING SUN: 19 September 2023
Haffejee was found deceased in a cell, with his trousers twisted around his neck, suggesting a possible ‘hanging’.
The Pietermaritzburg High Court has ruled that the death of Dr Hoosen Mia Haffejee in August 1977 was not self-inflicted, in contradiction to the finding of an initial inquest held in this regard.
Haffejee was abducted on his way to King George 5th Hospital and taken to the Brighton Beach police station by the Special Branch police officers. He was detained, interrogated and tortured for 15 hours, on suspicion of his involvement in anti-apartheid activities.
https://risingsunnewspapers.co.za/270943/court-rules-hoosen-haffejees-death-was-not-self-inflicted/
NPA committed to catch apartheid criminals
Written by Staff Reporter IOL NEWS 19 September 2023
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to solving apartheid crimes, following the Pietermaritzburg High Court’s recommendation of criminal charges against police officers and an informant implicated in the brutal killing of anti-apartheid activist, Hoosen Haffejee.
The NPA this week confirmed that it was working closely with the TRC Unit within the Hawks to intensify investigations into Haffejee’s death.
