The third appeal on behalf of Solomon MAHLANGU, sentenced to death in March 1978 (see FOCUS 16–20 POLITICAL TRIALS) was turned down on 19 January when the Bloemfontein Appeal Court refused leave to appeal against a ruling that no irregularities had been committed during the trial. (RDM 20.1.79)
In July 1978 Mahlangu was refused leave to appeal against conviction and sentence, and in November an application for a retrial on the grounds of irregularities was also refused. The final appeal is a petition for clemency to the State President (Mr. Vorster). According to the press 'several European governments have made appeals for clemency through their diplomatic missions' in South Africa, including Britain, France and Netherlands. At the United Nations the representatives of Mozambique, Yugoslavia and Sri Lanka approached the Secretary-General in support of Mahlangu. (CT 16.1.79; RDM 15.2.79)
Mahlangu is awaiting execution in Pretoria Central Prison, and is visited by members of his family on Wednesdays and Saturdays. (Voice 20.1.79)
