Henry T. MOTHIBI, aged 26, a graduate of the University of Lesotho, and employed by the Anglo-American Corporation on a mine research project, was convicted of furthering the aims of communism in Bloemfontein Supreme Court in November. He was sentenced to four years' imprisonment.
Mothibi originally pleaded not guilty to a charge under the Terrorism Act but then changed to a guilty plea under alternative charges under the Suppression of Communism Act. His offence was to have corresponded with a student at Seshego College, Pietersburg, on the question of change in South Africa. The student, Mokere Mashinini, urged violent revolution (in a letter produced in court); he was thought to have been a leader of disturbances at Seshego College, and to have subsequently left the country.
Mothibi knew nothing of Mashinini's political activities, and in his correspondence urged the view that non-violent changes were already coming about. Despite this, and a character reference by King Moshoeshoe's private secretary, he was convicted and jailed.
