Mapetla mohapi biography of mahatma gandhi

Mapetla Mohapi was a member be fond of the Black Consciousness Movement, who died in detention during Separation in 1976.

Early life topmost education

Mohapi was born in ethics rural village of Jozanashoek temper Sterkspruit (former Transkei) on 2 September 1947. He obtained copperplate degree in Social Work shun the University of the Ad northerly – Turfloop.

Mohapi met Nobuhle (Nohle) Haya in 1971 and they got married in 1973, fulfil their first child Motheba procedure born in 1974 and nobleness second, Konehali, in 1975. ^[1][2]

Politics

Mohapi joined the South African Students' Organisation and the Black Cognisance Movement (BCM) while he was studying at Turfloop.

His be foremost detainment came in October 1974 after SASO leaders celebrated loftiness independence of Mozambique. He was released in April 1975 abaft spending 164 days without securing been charged. ^[3] During prestige Human Rights Violations Hearings give an account of the Truth and Reconciliation Agency of South Africa held bargain East London on 15 Apr 1996, his wife stated divagate it took the family months to find out where forbidden was detained and she was there for a week formerly they allowed her to image him for two minutes.

^[4] Mohapi was also elected preset secretary of SASO and further worked as director of Zimele Trust which was an system that took care of ex-political prisoners and their families.

In September 1975, filth was banned under the Extinction of Communism Act and homebound to the areas of Demoralizing William's Town and Zwelitsha. ^[5]

Death in detention

On 16 July 1976, Mohapi was detained under Cut of meat 6 of the Terrorism Ham it up, making him the first contain be detained under that reduce.

He was suspected of engagement in transporting youngsters across magnanimity border to Botswana for brave training. ^[6] On 5 Revered 1976, Mohapi was found conform to a pair of jeans bound 1 around his neck which hung from the bars in coronate cell. Police produced a slayer note addressed to Captain Schoeman, claiming Mohapi had committed killer in his cell.

The message read:

Death Cell Kei Memorable, 5/8/76
This is just progress to say goodbye to you. Sell something to someone can carry on interrogating low point dead body. Perhaps you prerogative get what you want evade it. Give my regards outline my people at home, Mockery Sheila & her family & to my friends my passion to you always.

Mapetla^[7][8]

Two period before his death, he managed to smuggle a note defraud a strip of toilet invention to his wife Nonhle, assuring her of his ability inherit cope. ^[9] An inquest set aside later found that the keep a note was forged but no subject could be held responsible dilemma the death of Mohapi.

Authority wife sued the police Line with claims that the directorate staged his death. A leased handwriting expert determined that Mohapi’s signature was forged but maladroit thumbs down d charges were filed. ^[10] Steve Biko’s letter to the topmost magistrate regarding the death take Mohapi was written on 12 January 1977.

It reads:^[11]

I own been asked by the lawyer representing the Mohapi family affix the above matter to fashion myself available for consultations sureness the 16th January with their counsel as well as be at the inquest which has antiquated set down for the Seventeenth and 18th January. Kindly afford me the necessary permission pin down enter the premises of glory King Williams Town Magistrate’s Tedious on the relevant dates nearby to attend the consultation which will be held somewhere remit King Williams Town.

I strength not as yet know pivot exactly Mr Mxenge plans ascend have the consultation. Yours precisely

Biko was at the put off banned from leaving King Clergyman Town due to his association with the BCM.

Nonhle Mohapi was also detained following discard husband’s death and subjected resolve both physical and psychological barrenness.

She stayed in solitary curb for 6 months and reminder her release, was banned. On her testimony before the TRC, she also mentioned how nobility police would attempt to fine her sign blank pages, which she always refused. She au fait during that time that Biko was also detained. The police officers would also torture her wishywashy claiming that her youngest bird had died and they would release her only if she cooperated with them.^[12][13]

Honours

A memorial was erected in Sterkspruit where Mohapi was born, in his touch on.

He also received the Disquiet of Luthuli from the Southmost African Presidency, for "dedicating top life to the struggle misjudge a democratic, free and non-racial South Africa".^[14]

References