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 Africa Under Colonial Rule

To understand Luthuli’s life and struggles, we need to look at the harsh world he was born into in 1898. South Africa had been under colonial rule for almost 250 years, first by the Dutch and later by the British. These foreign powers were drawn to the country by its incredible wealth in diamonds and gold.

In the late 19th century, diamonds were discovered in Kimberley, making South Africa the world’s leading producer of these precious gems. Soon after, the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand region set off a new rush. These treasures brought wealth to the colonizers but led to suffering and displacement for South Africa’s Black majority, who were treated as second-class citizens in their own land.

The Rise of Apartheid

In 1948, the National Party came to power and introduced apartheid—a brutal system of laws designed to segregate Black South Africans and deny them basic rights. By the 1960s, this system of oppression had reached new extremes. One horrific example was the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, where police killed 70 peaceful protesters.

The world began to take notice, and pressure on South Africa’s government grew. But instead of relenting, the apartheid regime banned the African National Congress (ANC), the country’s leading liberation movement, and cracked down on activists like Luthuli.

Who Was Albert Luthuli?

Albert Luthuli was born into a deeply religious family. Despite the limited opportunities available to Black South Africans, he pursued education and became a teacher and Methodist lay preacher. In 1935, he was chosen as chief of his ancestral village, Groutville, where he worked tirelessly to address the needs of his community.

But Luthuli’s leadership extended far beyond his village. In 1952, he publicly supported the Defiance Campaign, a non-violent protest against apartheid laws. This act of defiance cost him his position as chief, but it also elevated him to national prominence. Later that year, he was elected president-general of the ANC.

The Nobel Peace Prize and Global Attention

In 1960, Albert Luthuli became the first African to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The apartheid government initially refused to let him travel to Norway to accept the award. But under international pressure, they relented, and Luthuli used his acceptance speech to shine a light on the horrors of apartheid.

Luthuli’s global fame worried the South African authorities. They imposed strict bans on him, limiting his movements and forbidding him from speaking publicly. Yet, he continued to inspire others, including American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who admired Luthuli’s dedication to non-violence.

A Mysterious Death

On July 21, 1967, Luthuli was reportedly walking along a railway line near his home when he was hit by a train. The apartheid government quickly ruled his death an accident. However, many suspected foul play. Why would a cautious and respected leader like Luthuli risk walking so close to a speeding train?

His family and supporters believe his rising international influence made him a target. At the time, he was a symbol of resistance, and his voice against apartheid was gaining momentum worldwide.

A New Investigation

In May 2024, South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced a new inquest into Luthuli’s death. A forensic team had reconstructed the scene and found evidence that raised doubts about the original “accident” ruling.

Justice Minister Ronald Lamola acknowledged that reopening the case could bring back painful memories but insisted that justice has no expiration date. The investigation aims to uncover whether Luthuli’s death was truly accidental or a deliberate act to silence him.

Why It Matters

Albert Luthuli’s death did not stop the apartheid system, which continued for another 23 years. However, his work laid the foundation for the eventual dismantling of apartheid and the rise of democracy in South Africa.

Revisiting his mysterious death is about more than uncovering the truth—it’s about honoring his legacy and ensuring justice for a man who gave his life to the fight for equality.

As the inquest continues, the world waits to see whether the truth about Albert Luthuli’s tragic end will finally be revealed.