During 1976, a total of 96 persons were charged with offences under the Terrorism Act, according to the Minister of Police. Of these, 50 were convicted, 8 were acquitted and 6 convicted on lesser charges. Eight were acquitted, and at the beginning of 1977, 28 were still on trial.
At least another 70 people were jailed for political offences under other legislation, according to figures given for committals to Robben Island prison and the total number of political prisoners early in 1977 was 383, a large increase compared with 253 the beginning of 1976.
