Policeman from 1960s to testify in Imam Abdullah Haron case

A police officer from 1969 is set to be the last witness to take to the stand in the Imam Abdullah Haron case on Monday.

The case of the late activist’s cause of death is currently in its second week and will be wrapping up on Friday.

This comes after two of Haron`s children, had testified before the inquiry last week.

Johannes Hendrick Burger, who is the last surviving member of the police force from that time, will be testifying for the State.

The Western Cape High Court heard how Imam Abdullah Haron delivered the preaching’s of Islam, where he emphasized the belief of brotherhood.

The Defence advocate Howard Varney, told Judge Daniel Thulare, that Haron also urged Muslims to support black South Africans who were battling against the apartheid system.

“He was closely connected to who was an anti-apartheid activist among the coloured community in the Cape. Through his connection with Barney Desai, Haron began to support the underground activities with the Pan African Congress, PAC,” he highlighted.

Imam Haron was arrested in 1969 and four months later, he was found dead in his cell at the Maitland Police station. 

By Lulama Klassen