There are historical facts and diplomatic attitudes that are difficult to understand. The death of ANC member Dulcie September is one such event. In 1988, in France, September, a 52-year-old South African anti-apartheid activist was shot to death. Ironically, she was fighting for freedoms that for centuries, guided by principles such as fraternity and equality, the French had fought for culminating in a revolution.



For a first world country, where the investigations tend to run thorough and forensic instruments are sophisticated, September's case seemed insufficiently handled. The investigators in the case appeared superficial and quite eager to close the case, not even bothering to listen to the witnesses. Laziness, disinterest or diplomatic challenges?

With the end of Apartheid, the investigation resumed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, failed to obtain any tangible results and September's family and friends have been left to find closure on their own.

As it turns out, it isn't merely the circumstances of September's death that are fascinating. She lived an interesting life as well. Sadly her heroics have been relegated to the pages of history giving way to the dominant male perspective that surrounds the apartheid struggle.

But history can be transformed. And Enver Samuel's film,'Murder in Paris', wants to at least alter the course of events. Samuel rummages through dormant wounds, lifts the sand from under the rug and disturbs the visible and invisible currents that have made September's story relegated to the background.

At the start of the documentary Samuel organises some rare archival footage. There is a fade to black and we hear five shots, reconstructing those fired by the 22 caliber gun in Paris. Samuel was meticulous in choosing the sources, bringing people who lived closely with Dulce, from family and friends, to people who investigated her death.

Samuel demonstrates with Murder in Paris, how to build a historical documentary, with his mind always worrying about crossing sources and confronting theories. Speaking of, one of these theories surrounding September's death is raised by investigative journalist and former member of the Dutch anti-apartheid movement, Evelyn Groenink. She believes that September was killed by assassins linked to French military intelligence who were looking for the arms supply contracts they had formed with the South African regime at the time.

Focused on finding solutions to the case, Groenink appears to have dedicated her life to the search for September's murderers. She faced among other adversities, diplomatic issues, subtle and crude threats, false leads and still did not give up eventually self-publishing her book in 2018.

The sound of the documentary is fascinating, it reminds us of the atmosphere of the events. The composition of the film is meticulous, concerned as it is with details that differentiate amateurs from professionals. No wonder this film is paving the way for the investigation of Dulce's death to be resumed. Perhaps justice can still be served.

by Hélio Nguane

This story emanates from the Talent Press, an initiative of Talents Durban in collaboration with the Durban FilmMart. The views of this article reflect the opinions of the film critic Hélio Nguane. Mentors: Djia Mambu & Wilfred Okiche.
In Partnership with Africiné Magazine (Dakar).

Stream "Murder in Paris" for FREE during @Durban International Film Festival from 22 July - 1 August 2021 (geo-blocked to South Africa) and sign the #justicefordulcie petition: https://tinyurl.com/justicefordulcie
Film Streaming: www.durbanfilmfest.com/film/murder-in-paris/