A 38-year-old woman from Soweto, Mrs. Nto Mitta MAPHIKE is currently on trial in Johannesburg Regional Court on charges under the Terrorism Act.
Mrs Maphike first appeared in court on 14 December 1978 and again on 6 February 1979 when she was alleged to have assisted persons to undergo military training. Her defence lawyers made several complaints to the court in respect of security police behaviour, claiming that documents relating to the case, including the charge, had only been received a couple of days previously. In addition the police at John Vorster Square refused to accept clothing and spectacles for Mrs Maphike on 10 January, saying that their office did not function 'as a missing persons' bureau' and that inquiries seeking to confirm a detention would not be replied to (at this date Mrs Maphike was awaiting trial, not in detention).
The magistrate said the police had shown a 'remarkable lack of co-operation' especially in relation to so serious a charge, and agreed to a defence request for postponement. Mrs Maphike was remanded in custody till 27 March. (RDM 7.2.79)
