The advocate for the Haron family said the witness and his colleagues were negligent in not providing the Imam with medical attention. ‘…if it had merely been a question of negligence then the crime arising is known as culpable homicide but if it was an intentional act… that then may convert the crime in question to murder.’

The last surviving policeman from Maitland Police Station is expected to take the stand again on Day 7 of the reopened inquest.

Johannes Hendrik Burger, who was a policeman for 34 years, insists he had no idea the apartheid security branch tortured political detainees until September 2020.

Former deputy minister of public works and political detainee, Jeremy Cronin, will take the stand for the Haron family, while, Johannes burger, the last surviving police officer from the time of detention will testify for the NPA.

‘Dear Shamela, I am writing to you out of jail. I am a political detainee. Don’t worry It’s for a good cause.’

The court heard that Imam Haron’s condition worsened considerably after the apartheid security branch took him from his cell and interrogated him at an unknown location for 62 hours.

‘He was jovial and liked to play jokes on whomever. There were multiple stories about his kindness and laughter from people,’ said Imam Haron’s daughter.

The inquest continues on Friday. A pathologist is expected to testify on behalf of the family. Earlier this week, a pathologist for the State rubbished the apartheid security branch’s version of Haron’s death.

Imam Abdullah Haron’s family members are expected to testify at the fourth day of the re-opened inquest into his death.

The apartheid security police said Imam Haron’s injuries were sustained in a fall. A second expert witness has rubbished the claim.

Security Branch officers maintained that Imam Haron’s injuries were all sustained in a single fall down stone stairs at Caledon Square Police Station.

Judge Daniel Thulare, the State and family representatives will visit the police stations where Imam Haron was held before his death in 1969.

‘I think we’ve come to this point as a country without instilling a culture of accountability and hopefully by dealing with these cases we can instil a culture of accountability,’ said Nkosinathi Biko in court.

‘I feel that they should’ve done more than what they’ve given us here today in terms of information. There should have been hardcore information,’ said Fatiema Haron-Masoet.

Anti-apartheid activist Imam Abdullah Haron died at the age of 45 in 1969. He was held in solitary confinement for 123 days.

Anti-apartheid activist Imam Abdullah Haron died at the age of 45 in 1969. He was held in solitary confinement for 123 days.