Highgate Massacre Inquest to be opened  

16 April 2024

The Foundation for Human Rights (“FHR”) and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (“CDH”) welcome the decision of the National Prosecuting Authority to hold an inquest into the Highgate Massacre.

This year marks 31 years since the Highgate Massacre took place. On the 1st of May 1993, several gunmen attacked the Highgate Hotel in East London, South Africa, leaving five persons dead, and seven severely injured. The FHR and CDH represent Neville Beling and Karl Weber, who were seriously injured in the attack, as well as the family of Deon Harris, who lost his life in the attack.

Almost three decades later, the motives and identities of the shooters remain unknown.

Days after the attack, allegations were raised that the military wing of the Azanian People’s Liberation Army ("APLA") carried out the attack. However, despite acknowledging other attacks which APLA operatives carried out, APLA has always denied responsibility for the Highgate Massacre, arguing that the modus operandi used during this attack always differed from those of APLA’s.

Three survivors of the Highgate Massacre and two family members of victims gave their testimonies at the Truth and Reconciliation Committee hearings in East London between 1996 and 1997. However, no amnesty applications were ever received for the attack. Similarly, no thorough or effective investigations have been carried out, nor has there ever been an inquest held. The much-needed closure sought by the survivors and the victims’ families has not been realized because the attackers have yet to be identified and the motivation for the attack has yet to be disclosed.

Survivors and the families of those killed formed the Highgate Survivors’ Support Group in East London in 2007. The Group has been demanding an effective and proper investigation into the attack and has been seeking closure in the face of more than three decades of inaction by the South African government. The history of this matter is also an example of extraordinary perseverance by the survivors and the victims’ families, who have been tirelessly fighting for justice.

Although the attack resulted in the deaths of five people and severe injuries to more, the NPA has never opened a formal inquest until now.

The opening of the inquest this year is welcomed in the hope that it will bring new information to light and afford the families closure.

Issued by Foundation for Human Rights and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, 16 April 2024