On 13 May, the Minister of Justice, defending proposed new security legislation said eight political trials were currently in progress and 17 more were scheduled - a total of 25 cases. "In each case", he added, "there is a host of young black people engaged in subversive activities." Justifying administrative rather than judicial action against such people, the Minister said the work involved in bringing the persons concerned to court was too great.
PAC MEN DETAINED At the end of April five former members of the Pan-Africanist Congress, who had served sentences on Robben Island, were detained by security police in the Eastern Cape. Their names were given as: Zolile Mamilton Keke, Mtolose Boyce Dyanti, Thamsanqa Wilson Khetelo, Thembekile Temporal Nyobo, Malusi Solomon Nyobo.
ANC NETWORK BROKEN On 14 May ten men, described as members of the ANC, appeared in Pietermaritzburg Supreme Court charged under the Terrorism Act. The main charges alleged acts endangering law and order committed between November 1973 and March 1976 in Natal and Swaziland, relating to communication with ANC exiles in Swaziland and the establishment of an 'escape route' for ANC recruits to leave the country. Some 43 people were said to have been recruited for military training abroad. The accused are: Themba Harry Gwala (55), William Fano Khanyile (40), Anthony Ndoda Xaba (42), John Vusimuzi Nene (32), Vuzimuzi Truman Magubane (32), Matthews Mokholeka Meyiwa (51), Azaria Ndebele (40), Zakhele Elphas Mdalose (51), Joseph Ntuliswe Nduli (35), Cleopas Melayibone Ndhlovu (42).
NDUKWANA and FOUR OTHERS Early in June five young men appeared at Grahamstown Supreme Court charged under the Terrorism Act with taking part in terrorist activities and planning or trying to leave the country to undergo military training. The five accused are: Sotomela Ndukwana (19), Vuyo Jack (20), Phumelele Sizani (22), Ngcola Hempe (19), Goodwin Mda (19).
