The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that the 1993 Highgate Hotel massacre inquest’s final session is scheduled for 1 to 5 September 2025.
This case is one of the cases the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) referred to the NPA.
A statement issued by the NPA noted that the inquest commenced on 27 January 2025, continued from 24 to 28 March 2025, and reconvened from 11 to 13 August 2025.
The statement explained that more than 20 witnesses have testified before Judge Denzil Potgieter at the Special Tribunal in East London. “They include the investigating officer from the Hawks, survivors, families of the deceased, ballistic experts, former police officers, commanders from the Azanian People’s Liberation Army, and private investigators appointed by affected families,” the statement explained.
“The court has also conducted an inspection in loco at the scene of the incident,” the statement added.
The inquest stems from a decision by the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, to establish whether anyone can be held criminally liable for the attack.
Commenting on the night of the massacre, the statement said, “during the tense period leading up to the 1994 democratic elections, armed assailants opened fire at the Highgate Hotel’s bars in East London. Five people, Stanley Hacking, Douglas William Gates, Royce Michael Wheeler, Deon Wayne Harris, and Deric John Whitfield, were killed, and seven others were seriously wounded, suffering permanent injuries and disabilities.”
Three survivors and two family members of victims testified during the TRC hearings.
“No amnesty applications were made by suspected perpetrators. While the attack was initially attributed to the armed wing of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), subsequent investigations could not confirm this,” the statement revealed.
“The NPA also notes with concern allegations made by some witnesses against certain of its officials. These will be addressed during the inquest to ensure that both the individuals concerned and the organisation are cleared of any unfounded claims.
The NPA hopes that this inquisitorial process will help provide much-needed closure to the victims’ families, survivors, and the broader public. Depending on developments in response to the presiding judge’s directions, four more witnesses are expected to testify when proceedings resume in September,” the statement concluded.
