Alfred Mabake MAKALENG (27), the former Publicity Secretary of the United Democratic Front in the Northern Transvaal and organiser for the COSATU-affiliated Construction and Allied Workers Union (CAWU), died in hospital on 26 August. Makaleng was detained on 12 June 1986 in terms of the emergency regulations. He told a visitor, who saw him regularly during his detention, that he began suffering from headaches as early as May this year. According to police, his condition deteriorated on 23 August and he was flown to Johannesburg Hospital where he was diagnosed as 'brain dead' at arrival. The hospital superintendent later said he was suffering from an 'acute hydrocephalus' - a collection of fluid inside the brain.
A COSATU statement said: 'This tragedy once again reflects the precarious position of detainees and counts as a grim reminder of the basic inhumanity of detention'.
Makaleng's death came at a time when the Minister of Law and Order was giving assurances about the safety of detainees. COSATU blamed the system of detention without trial for his death. 'The conditions under which detainees are held are not conducive to mental and physical health', said COSATU. At least four emergency detainees are known to have died in detention since the declaration of the State of Emergency in June 1986. Makaleng had reportedly laid charges against the police concerning the treatment he received in detention. These were still pending when he died. Police insist that he appeared to have died of 'natural causes'.
