On 20 November 1981 a prominent Durban attorney and long-time anti-apartheid activist, Griffiths MXENGE (43), was found murdered in Durban. In a big demonstration in Durban and in memorial services in a number of towns and cities, shock and anger was expressed at the killing.
A number of people were detained, some apparently in connection with the organisation of a memorial service. At the same time there were detentions of trade unionists, church workers and students throughout the country, following three months of intense activity by security police.
The killing was one of a number of recent violent actions against opponents of the South African regime (see GROWING CONFLICT IN CISKEI and DEATHS IN DETENTION).
Mxenge's mutilitated body was found at a cycling stadium at Umlazi, Durban, on 20 November. On the day before he died Mxenge's two dogs had been found poisoned at the family's home.
Mxenge was a member of the ANC from the early 1960s when he was a student at Fort Hare. He was held under the 180-day law in 1966 and went on hunger strike in protest. In 1976 he was sentenced to two years imprisonment under the Suppression of Communism Act for membership of the ANC, and on his release in 1969 he was banned under the same Act. In 1973 his ban was renewed for five years (see FOCUS 4 p.2).
In 1976 Mxenge acted as the family attorney for Joseph Mdluli who died in detention in March 1976. A few days after Mdluli's death, Mxenge was detained and held without trial for 103 days (see FOCUS 4 pp.2,3; 5 p.11).
After his release he was instructing attorney in many political trials, in Durban, Pietermaritzburg, East London and Johannesburg.
He acted for the family of Mapetla Mohapi, secretary-general of the banned South African Students Organisation (SASO), who died in police custody in Port Elizabeth in August 1976 (see FOCUS 6 p.7).
Mxenge was the defence attorney in the PAC Bethal trial during 1978/79. During the trial he received messages containing death threats (RDM 21.11.81).
Early in 1980 he represented Chief Sabata Dalindyebo, paramount chief of the Tembus in the Transkei. Outside of the courtroom he was actively engaged in a wide range of anti-apartheid activities. He was treasurer of the Release Mandela Committee, a leading activist in the campaign for the demands of the Freedom Charter, and in the campaigns to boycott the Republic Day celebrations and the South African Indian Council elections. He was responsible for attempting to get the bodies of those killed in the South African raid on ANC residences at Matola for burial in South Africa; but when this was prohibited he made all the arrangements for the families of the dead men to travel to Maputo for the funeral (S 23.11.81).
His death in mysterious circumstances was considered by observers and associates to be politically motivated. Mxenge's wife, Nonyamezelo, described her husband's murder as "the work of right-wing elements" (S 23.11.81).
On 24 November a Durban lawyer articled to Mxenge was arrested following a police swoop on his office. Patrick MAQUBELA was detained under Section 22 of the General Law Amendment Act, allowing detention without trial for 14 days. The police seized pamphlets advertising a memorial service for Griffiths Mxenge, to be held the next day.
Security police confirmed his detention and the earlier detention of two University of Natal students (S 25/26.11.81).
At a memorial service in Durban on 26 November more than 1500 people gathered to pay tribute to Griffiths Mxenge including representatives of political, student and trade union organisations. Another memorial service was held in Soweto (DN 27.11.81; S 26.11.81).
Mxenge's funeral took place on 6 December near King Williams Town, and was attended by thousands of mourners. Speakers included Bishop Tutu of the South African Council of Churches and representatives from the Release Mandela Committee, the Soweto Committee of Ten, the Azanian People's Organisation (AZAPO) and the Azanian Students Organisations (AZASO) (S 30.11.81).
