The inquest into the death of Booi Mantyi was reopened after the minister of justice and constitutional development approved a request by the NPA, supported by legal representatives of the Mantyi family, said Free State NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane. On 16 June 1985, during the commemoration of the Soweto uprising of 16 June 1976, Booi Mantyi was fatally shot by police in De Aar. 

Mantyi was allegedly part of a group who were rioting and pelting the police with stones. Police officers claimed self-defence.

The police used a shotgun and live ammunition to shoot Mantyi. When they arrived at the local hospital hours after the shooting, Mantyi was declared dead.

The cause of Mantyi’s death was recorded as multiple invasive wounds penetrating the heart and lungs, and internal bleeding, said Senokoatsane. 

An inquest held in 1985 consisted mainly of police testimony, with members indicating that they had acted in self-defence.

Magistrate JLK von Reiche accepted the version of the police members and found that no one could be held responsible for the death of Mantyi.

Voortrekker Street in De Aar. Photo: Facebook/Origins 22 - Genealogy & History

“The main goal of reopening the inquest is to lay before the court new evidence that will enable the court to make a finding in terms of section 16(2)(d) of the Inquest Act 58 of 1959, as to whether the death was brought about by any act, or omission, which prima facie involves or amounts, to an offence on the part of any person," said Senokoatsane.

“The NPA, together with its partners, reaffirms its commitment to confronting the injustices of the past and to contributing towards healing and closure for the Mantyi family, other bereaved families, victims of past violations, and society at large.”

The matter will be enrolled for case management in the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley, on Tuesday (18/11). Thereafter, a date will be determined for the hearing of the inquest, which is scheduled to take place in De Aar.

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