At the beginning of March the Minister of Police told Parliament that 34 actions were pending against the police on behalf of former Terrorism Act detainees. The list is as follows:
A. Xaba (imprisoned for life in July 1977) W. Khanyile (acquitted July 1977) J. Nene (imprisoned for life in July 1977) C. Ndlovu (imprisoned for 15 years in July 1977) T. Magubane (imprisoned for 15 years in July 1977) N. Mohapi (widow of Mapetla Mohapi who died in police custody in August 1976) A.N. Biko (widow of Steve Biko who died in police custody in September 1977) M. Magubane (former detainee) R. Cooper (former detainee) S. Cooper (sentenced to six years in December 1976) M. Ramphele (banned to N. Transvaal in April 1977) S.S. Mene (see Focus 16 p.15) L. Marai (see Focus 16 p. 15)
The number of claims outstanding is double what it was in March last year. Although Mr. Kruger said no claims had been settled nor money paid in 1978, claims by the following are not now listed:
B.N. Pityana and Mrs. B.N. Pityana (now in exile) Joseph Nduli (sentenced to 15 years in July 1977) Stephen Dlamini (former detainee now in exile) Moki Cekisani (former detainee)
It is not known for what reasons these claims are no longer pending.
In February this year the Minister announced that he would contest the claim by Sechaba Montsitsi, Soweto student.
The date for the hearing for the Biko family's claim has been set for 14 August in Pretoria Supreme Court, against the Ministers of Justice and Health. The claim is for R90,000 and lawyers will have the right to call witnesses.
