Fifteen Namibian political prisoners serving long sentences on Robben Island were released in early May 1984, after being transferred to Windhoek Central Prison. Six of the prisoners were released on 10 May, and the remainder a day later. The latter were transported by the Prison Service to the Ovambo region, reportedly at their own request.
The release of the 15 leaves another 21 Namibian prisoners in South African prisons, according to the South African Department of Justice. While 20 are on Robben Island, Eliaser TUDAHELENI, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1968, is reported to be held in Pretoria Central Prison.
Of the 15 prisoners released, the majority were serving 20 year sentences, and most had been tried in 1968 in Pretoria on charges under the South African Terrorism Act. Two were sentenced in the Ondangwa Regional Court in August 1978 under the Terrorism Act on charges of participating in guerilla activities. Three were found guilty in a trial in August 1969 in Windhoek of conspiring to overthrow the South West African administration by force. Those released are:
Pretoria Trial, 1968 AMUNGULU, Naftalie; EKANDJO, Eino Kamati; HAMULEMO, Simeon Namunjanga; HAUFIKU, Nghidipo Jesaja; ITIKA, Sakeus Phillipus (Filimon); NAILENGE, Shinema (Shinina); SHIMUEFELENI, David Hamuneme; SHITILIFA, Philemon (Filimon), SHITYUVETE (Shityuvute), Joseph Helao; ZACHARIAH, Lazarus. All were serving 20-year sentences.
Windhoek Trial, 1969 HAITA, Solomon (Salmon) Festus; IPANGUELA (Ipangelwa) Joseph; SHIKOMBA, Gaus. All three were serving 20 year sentences.
Ondangwa Trial, 1978 KAPULO (Kapolo) Andjengo; SHILENGELUA, Nakale. Both were sentenced to eight years imprisonment.
