John HOFFMAN (23), Jiawoodien PARKER (21), and Ishmail JACKSON (22) were charged under the Terrorism Act in the Supreme Court, Cape Town. After initial appearances in October and November their case opened on 9 December but was postponed to 8 February to allow the defence time to prepare. They are alleged to have taken part in terroristic activities by preparing or distributing a leaflet urging a strike. The leaflet is reproduced below.
"Oh my fellow oppressed countrymen, you do realize that you and I are bound to eternal oppression in our own country by unjust laws, created, not by God, but by Man - the White Man. It is every human being's unquestionable right to vote and to have a say in the laws that govern their lives. Think of your many brothers and sisters who have died at the mercy of the police in their attempts for liberation. They are being shot down by thoughtless police, in an attempt to cripple and scare our society into submission. In this vital period of a just struggle for freedom against the oppressive forces who, with ruthless and racially orientated minds have directed the destiny of 20 million people, our forefathers, CRC, Indian Council, Homeland and Management Committees have failed hopelessly in their attempts to eliminate the tyranny of this system. Therefore, my fellow countrymen it is imperative that we strike while the iron's hot, in order to achieve freedom for our people in this our land. We will start with a workers' strike, whereby we will prove that South Africa's economy is wholly dependent on the Black people. This is the time to Strike! Don't waste this chance of gaining your freedom. Go to work at your own risk. Act now! Act on 15 and 16 September. Don't work! Strike!"
