POV e-files: 53rd Anniversary: AHMED TIMOL

Loading player...
Ahmed Timol, died on 27 October 1971, four days after being arrested at a police roadblock. In Timol’s case, as with the others, inquests were held to rubber-stamp the police version of the death. According to police, Timol committed suicide by jumping out of a 10th floor window at John Vorster Square. Other deaths in detention were ascribed to “accidents” such as slipping in the shower…Those who knew Ahmed Timol, and knew of the barbarism of apartheid police torturers, strongly believed the police version was a lie. Over 21 years ago, Timol’s nephew, Imtiaz Ahmed Cajee, began researching his uncle’s death. He produced a book, Timol: Quest for Justice, and was the driving force behind the production of a documentary and exhibition of the same theme. Phemelo speaks to Mohammad Timol about his brother's life.
5 Nov 2024 3PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Police committee warns of failures undermining public safety

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police has warned that weaknesses in criminal investigations, forensic services, police accountability and financial management continue to undermine public safety and delay justice. The committee is calling for measurable action following its review of key policing institutions, while the Justice Department is working on a draft…
19 Oct 3PM 14 min

Tshwane water crisis leaves 408 people ill

At least 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness have been reported in Tshwane’s Bronkhorstspruit area, with contaminated water identified as the likely source. An investigation found that water from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works was not chlorinated between 24 September and 14 October because of problems with the city’s chlorine supplier…
19 Oct 3PM 17 min

Mbeki to testify as TRC cases inquiry probes apartheid-era prosecutions

Former president Thabo Mbeki is expected to testify before the TRC cases inquiry as it investigates allegations of political interference in the prosecution of apartheid-era crimes. Former president Jacob Zuma’s testimony has been postponed due to ill health, while both former leaders have unsuccessfully sought the recusal of inquiry chairperson…
19 Oct 3PM 8 min

Profile Feature: Romantha Botha on telling South Africa’s stories

Phemelo is joined in studio by filmmaker, digital creator and speaker Romantha Botha, who uses short-form storytelling to explore South Africa’s history, identity, language and culture. A former journalist, her work includes the Showmax docu-series Sex & Pleasure and kykNET’s Jou Mase Taal. They discuss her journey from journalism to…
15 Oct 3PM 37 min