The ANC in the Western Cape says it supports the call for an inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist, Anton Fransch.

His family is demanding an inquest to probe his death, after he was allegedly murdered 33 years ago.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it met with Fransch’s family and told them that the matter is receiving attention.

It also plans to hold talks with Justice Minister, Ronald Lamola, to make a request.

But the NPA first needs to complete its investigation and decide on a plan of action on which route to take.

The apartheid security police claimed he committed suicide in Athlone in November 1989.

The ANC’s Sifiso Mtsweni says they need to know what exactly happened.

“We want the case to be opened so that it can be ventilated in the courts.”


Earlier this month, the inquest into the death of political activist, Imam Abdullah Haron, was heard in the Western Cape High Court.

Abdullah Haron’s anti-apartheid activism grew following his appointment as an Imam in Cape Town in 1955. Image: South African History Online

The initial inquest into his death in 1969 says the activist died of natural causes, but Haron’s family and their legal team believes his death was the result of police brutality.

The second phase of this year’s inquest is said to continue during the first quarter of next year.

Image: South African History Online