Trade unions and student and youth organisations were the most seriously affected by the very large number of detentions which have occurred since the end of May.
The wave of detentions began as the Anti-Republic Day Campaign reached its climax and as protests and class boycotts continued with the approach of the 16 June commemoration. Several of those detained are now being held in preventive detention under the Internal Security Act.
Most of the workers and trade unionists detained have been from the Eastern Cape, the scene of continuing widespread industrial action.
SOWETO On 17 June security police in Soweto detained eight alleged members of the South African Youth Revolutionary Council (SAYRCO) including its Chairman, Khotso SEATHLOLO, whose detention has been confirmed. He is a former leader of the Soweto Students Representative Council (SSRC) who left the country in 1977. The names of those detained at the same time have not been confirmed but are believed to be Gordon "Trofomo" SONO, Absolom MOFOKENG, Peter LENGENE, Barney MOKHATLE, Marks MOLEKO, Selby SEIMELA and a student named 'Dan'. A police dossier is being prepared for the attorney-general. Police sources have stated that Thami MAZWAI and Zwelakhe SISULU are being detained in connection with the SAYRCO arrests.
Further detentions in Soweto have involved students and members of the Azanian Peoples Organisation (AZAPO), Azanian National Youth Unity (AZANYU) and Students Organisation (AZASO).
