SA opens inquest on anti-apartheid activist, Ahmed Timol

An inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Timol is to be opened in Johannesburg.

Ahmed Timol, a communist Party activist died in police custody in October 1971.

The apartheid police said Timol committed suicide when he “jumped” out of the window of the police station’s 10th floor.

Almost half a century later, the family of the activist are most determined to proved Timol never committed suicide.

More than 45 years after the incident, the case is being re-examined following the campaign to expose the truth led by his family.

“It is important over 46 years after his death, that the world knows that Ahmed Timol did not commit suicide he was killed during detention, and it is important for us to preserve his honor and his legacy”, said Ahmed Timol’s nephew, Imtiaz Cajee.

The first hearing is be held at a High Court in Johannesburg on Monday.

The case involves three investigators and more than 10 witnesses.