The South African Police have confirmed that the death of ANC MP Tina Joemat-Pettersson is being treated as a suspected unnatural death, leading to an official inquest investigation.
Police launch inquest into Tina Joemat-Pettersson cause of death
As reported by News24, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated that they are currently awaiting the final report from the Department of Health regarding the cause of Joemat-Pettersson’s death.
However, this information will only be shared with her family and will not be disclosed to the public.
A police inquest, also known as a coroner’s inquest or an official inquiry, is a legal process conducted by law enforcement authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding a person’s death.
It is typically initiated when the cause of death is uncertain, suspicious, or believed to be the result of something other than natural causes.
During a police inquest, the investigating authorities gather evidence, interview witnesses, examine forensic reports, and review any available documentation related to the death.
The purpose of the inquiry is to determine the cause and manner of death, as well as to establish any contributing factors or potential criminal elements involved.
The inquest is led by a coroner or a senior police officer who presides over the proceedings. They may call witnesses to provide testimony and may request expert opinions or reports to aid in their investigation.
At the conclusion of the inquest, the coroner or officer makes a determination based on the evidence presented, which may include a finding of natural causes, accidental death, suicide, homicide, or an open verdict if the evidence is inconclusive.
It’s important to note that a police inquest is different from a criminal trial. While an inquest aims to establish the facts surrounding a person’s death, it does not assign blame or determine criminal liability.
However, if during the course of the inquest, evidence is discovered that suggests criminal involvement, the authorities may pursue further investigation and potentially press charges against individuals implicated in the death.
The findings of a police inquest can be used to bring closure to the family of the deceased and guide any subsequent legal actions or prosecutions if necessary.
Joemat-Pettersson claimed she was ‘raped in Russia’ in leaked texts
Recent revelations have surfaced through WhatsApp messages exchanged between Tina Joemat-Pettersson and a trusted confidant, shedding light on her disillusionment with the ANC and the pain resulting from her fractured relationship with her former colleagues.
These messages, shared with Pakes Dikgetsi, who served alongside her as MEC in the Northern Cape in 1994, also disclose her confirmation of a previously reported incident of rape during a visit to Russia.
“It is only now after I have spoken to Ous Dipuo that I can speak publicly about the fact that I was raped in Russia,” she wrote.
However, specific details regarding the circumstances and timing of the alleged assault were not provided.
Joemat-Pettersson’s death occurred on 5 June 2023 at her residence in Rondebosch, Cape Town. The cause of her passing remains undisclosed, both by her family and the police.
In the aftermath of her death, suspended public protector advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane revealed additional messages and recordings, implicating Joemat-Pettersson in meetings with Mkhwebane’s husband, David Skosana.
These conversations involved discussions related to the parliamentary inquiry into Mkhwebane’s suitability for her position.
Mkhwebane alleges that Joemat-Pettersson demanded a bribe of R600 000 to halt the investigation. It is claimed that Joemat-Pettersson was willing to cooperate with Qubudile Dyantyi, the chairman of the committee overseeing the inquiry, and ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina.
However, both Dyantyi and Majodina deny these allegations.
As investigations continue into the suspicious circumstances surrounding Tina Joemat-Pettersson’s death, further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.