On 17 March 1977, the Appellate Division of the Bloemfontein Supreme Court set aside death sentences passed on AARON MUSHIMBA and HENDRICK SHIKONGO, and prison sentences on RAUNA NAMBINGA and ANNA NGAIHONDJWA. The convictions of the four SWAPO members were cancelled in all cases. In the light of evidence that confidential information relating to the defence had been passed on to the security police in the course of the trial, Chief Justice Mr. Justice Rumpff ruled that the proceedings had not met the demands of justice. He said that the activities of the particular policemen involved would be looked into. A similar assurance has been given by the Commissioner of Police, General Gert Prinsloo.
Shikongo and Mushimba were released on the evening of the same day, from Windhoek Central Prison, to be greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of SWAPO members and supporters, families and friends who had been waiting outside through the final proceedings of the appeal. "Black power salutes and blue, red and green SWAPO flags filled the air." Anna Ngaihondjwa and Rauna Nambinga, who had been held in Kroonstad Prison in the Orange Free State, arrived back in Windhoek by train on 23 March. Ms Ngaihondjwa had been married only 16 days before her arrest.
Commenting on the Appeal Court's decision, SWAPO warned that, while it rejoiced at the freedom of the four accused, "we have received information stating that when the South African sponsored Turnhalle interim government is established there will be a large-scale round up of SWAPO leaders and activists in a desperate bid to weaken the nationwide opposition to this ethnic neo-colonial plan."
