Ahmed Kathrada Foundation executive director Neeshan Balton appeared before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, in a case relating to the 1989 deaths of two Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) operatives.

Balton was subpoenaed to answer questions about the deaths of Prakash Napier and Yusuf Akhalwaya, who were killed in a limpet mine explosion, on December 11, 1981, before they could carry out a sabotage attack at Park Station, in Johannesburg. They were accompanied by another MK operative, Jameel Chand.

The court proceedings have been postponed to April 2025.

The Hawks are investigating the circumstances around Napier and Akhalwaya’s deaths, including the possibility of murder, following a Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, and believe Balton has crucial information.

Napier and Akhalwaya were members of MK’s Ahmed Timol Unit (ATU) and Balton oversaw ATU activities in his role as underground political commander of the Ahmed Kathrada Political-Military Committee in Lenasia, Johannesburg.

Balton had previously answered questions posed to him by investigators, but the Foundation believes these answers were possibly inadequate, resulting in the subpoena.

“The Kathrada Foundation would welcome the possible re-opening of an inquest into the deaths of Comrades Yusuf Akhalwaya and Prakash Napier based on new, reliable, and credible information. At the same time, it must express its serious concerns regarding the manner in which the investigation is being conducted. From the beginning there has been an absence of transparency in terms of the scope of the investigation. It has shifted from a 'preliminary investigation, to cases relating to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to the re-opening of an inquest', and finally to 'an alleged offence of murder suspected to have been committed by unknown persons'," it said.

Meanwhile, the Akhalwaya family issued a statement on Friday, following Balton’s court appearance.

“As we approach the 35th anniversary of their [Napier and Akhalwaya's] deaths, we are deeply distressed by the recent resurrection of this painful event. While we understand the curiosity and unanswered questions, we implore everyone to approach this matter with sensitivity and compassion. We firmly believe that Prakash and Yusuf perished in an unfortunate accident during a mission. It is important to remember that they had successfully completed numerous missions without incident. To suggest that their deeply trusted comrades were complicit in the deaths, is unfounded,” the family said.

Further, the family said it was not informed of any past inquest into the matter and that it did not support the idea.

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation called the investigation a “fishing expedition” and suggested the possibility of “sinister motives”.

“The Kathrada Foundation expresses its full support to its Executive Director, Mr Neeshan Balton, and is proud of his commendable contribution to the liberation struggle in our country,” it said.