Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Shaun Smillie
Published on 2024-04-18 07:51:04
Karl Weber found himself face to face with a balaclava-wearing gunman on the floor of Lady’s Bar at the Highgate pub in East London, an event that changed his life forever. Thirty-one years later, he still seeks answers as to why the gunman opened fire that fateful Saturday night. Now, there is hope for closure as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced a long-awaited inquest into the Highgate Massacre that claimed five lives and left seven others seriously injured.
Despite suspicion at the time that the military wing of the PAC’s Azanian People’s Liberation Army (Apla) was responsible for the attack as part of Operation Great Storm, Apla has denied involvement, and no amnesty applications were received for the crime. The inquest aims to shed light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding the massacre.
Represented by the Foundation for Human Rights and the legal firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, survivors and family members of the deceased eagerly await the inquest for answers. The lack of clarity on the perpetrators of the attack has left many questioning the motive and seeking closure.
The shooting at the Highgate Hotel, which occurred on 1 May 1993, resulted in chaos and devastation as gunmen targeted patrons in the Men’s Bar and Lady’s Bar, leaving a trail of death and injury in their wake. Weber, who lost his left arm in the attack, and Beling, who was shot three times, are among the survivors seeking justice and closure.
Despite initial claims linking the attack to Apla, discrepancies in the modus operandi and weaponry used cast doubt on the involvement of the organization. Various theories suggest other possible perpetrators, including renegade groups and political forces attempting to disrupt the impending elections.
Survivors and families of the deceased have long demanded a proper investigation into the Highgate Massacre, forming support groups and advocating for justice. As time passes, the urgency of solving the case grows, with concerns for Beling’s health as a key witness in the upcoming inquest.
The NPA’s announcement of the inquest has brought hope for the survivors and families, who are eager for closure and accountability. The involvement of a judge from the high court and the coordination of witness lists signal progress towards unraveling the truth behind the Highgate Massacre.
As the inquest approaches, there is anticipation that new information may come to light, bringing justice to the victims and their families. With the collective effort of survivors, families, and legal representatives, there is renewed hope that the inquest will crack the case and provide answers long overdue.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
