In July 1967, Chief Albert Luthuli, a man celebrated as Africa’s first Nobel Peace Prize winner and a leader in the fight against South Africa’s apartheid system, died in a strange and tragic way. He was struck by a train near his home in Groutville, KwaZulu-Natal. The authorities called it an accident, but many, including his family and fellow activists, have never believed this story. Now, after 57 years, South Africa’s government is reopening the case to find out the truth.

South Afri...