Detentions continue to be reported from the Ciskei. In mid-July at least five people were arrested under emergency proclamation R252 following the staging of a play at the Cecilia Makiwane hospital. They were Rev. Vuyant MYOBOLE, Rev. Philip Sizwe DIKO (both of whom were described as having played an active role in producing the play) Michael XOLA, Monde FIGLAN, an actor, and Ms Nomathemba MAEMA, a nursing sister. Philip Diko was previously arrested.
Several other Ciskeian detainees were released at the end of May after being held for varying periods. It would appear that internal Bantustan political differences have been the cause of some recent detentions in the Ciskei. Those released included Themba MADWANYA and Archibald NGXAMNGXA, described as teachers and former members of the Youth League which helped Chief Sebe to power in 1972-3, who had been held since 8 February. Others released were Mncedi NTUTELA, Cosmo TSHIKI and Mdantsane councillors J.J. DLOVA and John MANGALA.
Also released on 29 May was Vuyani MQINGWANA, a head teacher from Peddie who was first arrested in September 1978 and made several court appearances charged with possessing banned books. All charges were eventually withdrawn, after Mqingwana had spent 259 days in custody.
