In the massive police swoop on organisations and individuals on 19 October (see also under ORGANISATIONS BANNED) it appears that over 40 prominent individuals were detained under the provisions of the Internal Security Act allowing for preventive detention (see FOCUS 5 p.14). Later it was said that they would be held until August 1978.
Those detained included the following:
In the Transvaal: Members of the Soweto Committee of Ten Dr. Nthato Motlana, medical doctor Mr. Leonard Mosala, businessman Mr. Legau Mathabathe, school principal Mr. Douglas Lolwane, publisher's manager Mr. Veli Kraai, businessman Mrs. Ellen Khuzwayo, social worker Mr. Thandisizwe Mazibuko, BPC general secretary Mr. Ramsy Ramokgopa, BPC member Black People's Convention Mr. Kenneth Rachidi, president Rev. Drake Ntshenkeng, vice-president Mr. George Wauchope, regional chairman
In the Western Cape: Miss Ann Tomlinson, church worker
The Internal Security Act was first invoked at the height of last year's disturbances, and 135 persons held under it for varying terms (see FOCUS 8 p.4, 9 p.11, 10 p.13). It was extended for a further year on 11 August 1977. Internal Security Act (I.S.A.) detention differs from Terrorism Act detention in that those held are allowed visitors and association with others and are not suspected of unlawful activity. The purpose is internment rather than interrogation, the Act allowing the state to imprisonment by decree people who would not be convicted in any court of law. Most of those held under ISA detention in 1976 were subsequently served with banning orders, another administrative measure. It was announced that the current ISA detainees will be held in Modder B prison, and allowed two visits per week. (RDM 21.10.77)
