- 1300 - 6/2/57 ( • i r ) can you identify her ?— i think ...€¦ · mr. coaksr addresses...

- 1300 - 6/2/57 ( • i r )

I did. Did you take possession of a number of documents

? — I did jf Can you identify her ?— I think I can. (Witness

leaves "box and identifies Accused No. 49). The first document you took, IM.l, circular

letter entitled "Africa Needs Peace" issued "by the Prepara-tory Committee of the National Peace Convention ?— Yes.

IM.2, handbill called "A New Wind Arising" issued by the National Preparatory Committee ?— Yes.

11.3, another pamphlet called "That They May Live" issued by the Women's International Democratic Federa tion Berlin ?— That is correct.

IM#4, a membership card of the African National Congress ?— Yes, in the name of Ida Mtwana.

IM.5, a circular issued by the A.N.C., dated 30/11/56, ?— Yes, signed by P. Mathole.

IM.6, a letter from the Chairman of the A.N.C. to Ida Mtwana ?— Yes. It is addressed to Ida Mtwana, Chairman, W»N..Township Branch, dated 24/11/56.

j. •.

(No further questions) CROSS-EXAMINATION RESERVED; MR. COAKSR ADDRESSES COURT:

Accused No. 33, malaria, excused from proceedings.

WYNAND JACOBUS WESSELS, duly sworn, EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. VAN NIEKSRK)

Are you a detective sergeant, S.A.Police, sta-tioned at Vereeniging ? — Yes.

On 27/9/55, did you under the authority of a

- 1301,- 6/2/57 (Wessels)

search warrant, search the premises one Suliman Mohamed Nathie, Evaton ? — Yes,

Can you identify him ? — Yes. (Witness identifies Accused No. 50)

Did you there seize the following documents ..... was he present at the search ?— Yes, he was present.

SMN.l, "Tomorrow in Warsaw" a pamphlet ?— Yes. SMN.2 is omitted. SMN.3, a roneod document

"Your signature for the Freedom Charter" together with a document "One Million Signatures for the Freedom Charter" unsigned ?— Yes. (No further questions)

CROSS-EXAMINATION RESERVED;

GORDON POLSON, duly sworn. EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. VAN NIEKERK);

You are a detective sergeant, S.A.Police, sta-tioned at Van Der Bijl Park ?— Yes.

On 5/12/56, did you arrest a person "by the name of Suliman Mahomed Nathie ?— Yes.

Where did you arrest him ? — In Evaton. What place ?— He has a shop there. And a house ?— Yes, just "behind the shop. Where did you arrest him ? — In his house. Ca.n you identify this person ?— (Witness leaves

"box and identifies Accused No. 50). Did you under the authority of a search warrant

search his premises ? — Yes. Did you seize the following documents: SMN.4,

- 1302 -6/2/57

(Poison)

two volumes of the 22nd Conference of the S.A.Indian Con-gress held at Johannesburg at Ghandi Hall in October, 1956, of which you hand in one copy ? — Yes.

Inside that is a manuscript page with some names, Natal, occupation, town, age; and another page, Cape Pro-vince, with some names, occupation, town age; inside an examination book with the name Suliman printed in, with S.A.I.C. Executive and Councillors, name, occupation, town age; and various names, Padayachee, N,T. Naicker, G. Hurbans, Tongat, Mistree, Dr. Moossa^ K, Moonsamy, etc. There are also further notes in manuscript. Please identify the document and hand it in ? — That is quite correct.

SMN,5, a book M.A. Bulganin, N.S. Kruschev, Visit of Friendship to India, Burman and Afghanistan — speeches and official documents, published in Mowcow, 1956 ? — Yes.

SMN.6 ,a booklet, cover page has been torn off, "We have D-Day for Democracy...." National Printing Works, Delhi ? — Yes.

SMN.7, a booklet "The Truth About the U.S.S.R." published in London 1951 Series ? — That is correct,

SMN,8, a book by S,A. Dangie, "India from primi-tive Communism to Slavery" published in Bombay ?— Yes. (No further questions) CROSS-EXAMINATION RESERVED;

ADRIAAN ACKERMAN. duly sworn. EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. VAN NIEKERK)

You are a detective sergeant, S.A.Police, sta-tioned at Johannesburg ?— I am.

On 5/12/56, did you under the authority of a

- 1303 -

- 25 -

6/2/57 (Ackermann)

search warrant search the premises at 132, 3rd Avenue, Alexandra Township ? — I did.

Do you know who is the occupant of these premises ? — Phineas Nene,

Can you identify him ? — I can. (Witness identi-fies Accused No. 51)

Did you arrest him ? — Yes, on the same day. Did you under the authority of a search warrant

search the premises ? — I did. Did you then seize the following documents,

PN.l, is that a notice, "branch No, 1 A.N.C., Alexandra Township, 131, 4th Avenue, Alexandra Township, circular letter to all branch members, notice of the annual general meeting on 2/12/56 ? — Yes.

PN.2, a manuscript document, B.G, Moliwa, report of club activities, presented by B.G. Moliwa, on 18/8/56 ? — Yes.

PN.3, a notice dated 27/9/56, regarding a meeting of the executive meeting of the African Education Movement to take place on Thursday 4/IO/56, at Darragh House, Johannesburg ?— Yes.

PN.4, is omitted, PN.5, a document, roneod, 2 pages, issued by Ezekial Ndaba, 5193 Section 0 Moroka Camp, Johannesburg ?— Yes,

PN.6, "African Lodestar", official organ of the African National Congress Youth League, Johannesburg, Transvaal, May 1954, Vol. _ No. 5 ?— Yes.

PN,7, publication, 4 pages, roneod, A.E.M. News, official organ of the African Educational Movement Vol. I No, 1, June 1956 ? — Yes

- 1 3 0 4 - 6/2/57

c ) ^Ackermann) .Strachan) [Du Plessis)

PN.8, a publication "Fighting Talk" Vol. XII November 1956 ? — Correct. (No further questions) (CROSS-EXAMINATION RESERVED:

CORNELIUS JACOBUS STRACHAN, duly sworn, EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. VAN NIEKERK):

You are a detective sergeant, S.A,Police, sta-tioned at Johannesburg ? — I am.

On 26/€/55, did you attend a conference known as the Congress of the People held at Kliptown, district of Johannesburg ?— Yes.

Did you there under the authority of a search warrant search a native male Phineas Nene ?— Yes.

Can you identify him ?— Yes, I think I can. Will you please do so, ?— (Witness identifies

Accused No. 51) Did you there seize the following documents ?—

Yes. PN.9, South Africans in the Soviet Union, edited

and published by Ruth First ?— Yes. PN.10, is that what appears to be the agenda of

the Congress of the People ?— Yes, (No further questions CROSS EXAMINATION RESERVED:

HENDRIK DU PIESSIS, duly sworn, EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. VAN NIEKERK): (No interpreter available. Witness stands down.)

- 1305 - 6/2/57 (Du Plessis)

T\ ~' ~ (Delport)

PIETER WILLEM JACOBUS DELPORT, duly sworn. EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. VAN NIEKERK)

Are you a detective sergeant, S.A.Police, stationed at Orlando ? — That is correct.

On 5/12/56, did you under the authority of a t

search warrant, search the premises at 9870, White City, Orlando ? — Correct.

Do you know the occupant of these premises ?— I would he able to point her out. I don't know her name, (Witness identifies Lilian Ngoyi, Accused No. 52,)

Did you under the authority of a search warrant, seize the following articles: LIN#8, 4 copies of a publi-cation Sechaba, bulletin of the Transvaal A.N.C. ? — Yes.

LIN,9, a lecture, a publication "Lecture No, 1 Our modern society and how it arose," ? — Yes,

LIN,10, a circular, Congress Volunteer ? — Yes. LIN,11, 2 photographs — will you have a look

at the top photograph and see whether you recognise that person ? — Yes, Lilian Ngoyi,

Is that the person that you searched ? — Yes, that is the one I pointed out.

LIN,12, "Act Now to Save Peace" issued by the S,A,Peace Couno-n T-hannesburg ? — Correct,

LIN,13, a publication, roneod, "The Campaign for the Freedom Charter" ? — Yes,

LIN.14, is that a publication o-Sechaba, bulletin of the A.N.C., with A.N.C. Transvaal, Women's League, written on the first page ? — Yes,

LIN,15, "Liberation" September 1956 ?— Correct, LIN,16, "Act Now to Save Peace" issued by the

- 130 6 - 6/2/57 (Delport)

S.A.Peace Council, Johannesburg ? — Correct, LIN,17j a publication Iziswe, October 1955 ?—Yes, L I N , I z i s w e , January 1956 ?— Yes. LIN,18 is omitted. LIN.19, a notebook with some

notes in pencil ? — Yest at the back there are a couple of pages in ink, with the name Mrs. Dorothy Morgan, 6 Linton Road, Ackland, London, England.

LIN,20, Fighting Talk, May 1956 ? ~ Yes. • LIN,21, "People's China" No, 5, March, 1956?— Yes, LIN,22, copy of minutes of the joint meeting of

the Transvaal Regional Executive Committee of the Federa-tion of South African Women and the Transvaal Provincial Executive Committee of the African National Congress Women's League, with the name "Lilian" written on top in ink on the first page, and second page, paragraph 6: "Appointment of new representatives to the National Con-sultative Committee..... (illegible) during the campaign against passes for women the following members were ap-pointed; Chairman, Lilian, 2. Rahima, alternative Rosie. ? — That is correct.

LIN.23, Sechaba, bulletin of the Transvaal A.N.C. September 1956, with the name Mrs, L. Ngoyi written on the front page ?— That is so.

LIN.24, is omitted. LIN.25, roneod document, presidential address delivered by Mrs. Lilian ̂ goyi, on Sunday 13th November, 1955 ? — Yes.

LIN.26, publication "First Report of the Youth Organisation" June-December, 1955 ? — Yes*

LIN,27, carbon copy of a single page document, "Passes for Women are an outrage,"Press Statement issued by the Federation of South African Women ?— Yes,

- 1307 - 6/2/57

(Delport) ~' (Van Den Heever)

LIN,28, one page roneod document "Down with the I.C, Bill" issued by the S.A.C.T.U,, Johannesburg ? — Yes.

LIN*29, manuscript document, partly in pencil and partly in ink ? — Yes.

LIN,30, memo on draft constitution referring to the organisational changes in the A.N.C, ? — Yes.

LIN,31, a draft constitution of the A.N.C, ? — Yes,

LIN.32, "Liberation" dated 19/6/1956 ? — Yes. LIN,33, a booklet "Visit to Britain of the

Soviet leaders Bulganin and Kruschev" speeches, statement and trade programme, Soviet News Booklet No. 16 ? — Yes.

(No further questions)


PIETER VAN DEN HEEVER, duly sworn, EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. VAN NIEKERK);

Are you a det. head constable, S,A.Police, sta-tioned at Jeppe ? — Yes.

On 5/12/56, did you under the authority of a search warrant search the premises at 48 Edith Street, Sophiatown.

Did' you arrest a person there ? — Robert S. Ngwandu, (Witness identifies Accused No. 53,)

Did you there seize the following documents: WSN.l, annual report of the executive committee of the 42nd Annual Conference of the A.N.C. held at Durban, December, 1954 ? — Yes.

WSN.2, "Fighting Talk" March, 1956 ? — Yes. WSN,3 s

- 1308 - 6/2/57

" " 6/2/57 (Van Den Heever)

WSN.3, "There is no Freedom Without Peace," is-sued by the S.A.Peace Council, Johannesburg ?— Yes.

WSN.4, report from the National Volunteer Board ? — Yes.

WSN«5, is that a draft Freedom Charter ? — Yes, WSN.6, a printed pamphlet "Forward to the Con-

gress of People, Let us Speak of Freedom" ?— That is so. WSN.7, a publication "New Youth" official organ

1954 of the Transvaal Indian Youth Congress, September/No. 3 ? — Yes.

WSN.8, a roneod document , entitled "Cape Town P.O. Box 2706, 15/3/54 — Conference to promote women's rights to be held in the trades hall " ? — Yes,

WSN.9, a roneod circular from the Federation of S.A.Women, Transvaal Region, dated 19/8/55, signed Helen Joseph, Regional Secretary ? — Yes,

WSN.10, roneod document "Resolutions passed at the special national conference of the A.N.C, held in Orlando communal hall, 31st Mas?ch to 1st April, 1956 ?— Yes.

WSN.ll, constitution of the A.N.C. ?-- Yes. WSN.12, also a constitution of the A.N.C.?—Yes. WSN.13, printed Freedom Charter ? — Yes. WSN.14, a draft constitution of the Federation

of South African Women ?— Yes. WSN.15, WSN.16 are omitted. WSN.17, publication

"Educating for Ignorance ? — Yes. WSN.18, report form, roneod, entitled "Report

Form" apparently referring to the Congress of the People and Volunteers ? — Yes.

WSN.19, a membership card "African National

- 1309 - 6/2/57

1t| (Van Den Heever) (Du Plessis)

Congress Membership card," in the name of B. Ngwendu, 48 Edith Street, Sophiatown, for the year 1954 ?-•- Yes.

WSN. 20 is omitted. WSN. 21, "Liberation" No. 21 of September 1956 ? — Yes. (No further questions)


HENDRIK DU PLESSIS, duly sworn. (Interpreter Mr. Mollencie)

EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. VAN NIEKERK):

Are you a det. constable S.A.Police, stationed at Brakpan ? — Yes.

On 27/9/55, did you under the authority of a search warrant search the premises at 9870B, White City, Orlando ? — Yes.

Did you there take possession of the following documents ?—Yes.

Were you accompanied by nat. det. Phillip of the Grays ? — Yes.

LIN.l, is a card in a native language relating to Peace ? — Yes.

LIN.2, a publication "Workers Unity" bulletin of the S.A.C.T.U. Vol I No. 3, July 1955 ? ~ Correct.

LIN.3, "Fighting Talk" for June 1954 ? — Yes. LIN.4, a newspaper "New Age" dated 7th July,

1955 ? — Yes. LIN.5, a booklet "Soutji Africans in the Soviet

Union" by Ruth First ? — That is correct. LIN,6 is omitted. LIN.7 a pamphlet, roneod,

issued by the Federation of S.A.Women, Transvaal Region, entitled "A Call to All Mothers." ? — Yes. (No further questions) CROSS-EXAMINATION RESERVED;

- 1310 - 6/2/57 (Cloete)

MR. C0AK2R HANDS IN MEDICAL CERTIPICAE FOR SAM MASIMULA, (ACCUSED No. 33.)

JOHANNES PETRUS CLOETE, duly sworn, EX1MINED BY P.P. (MR. VAN NIEKERK):

You are a det. sgt. S.A.Police, stationed at Johannesburg ?— Correct.

On 27/9/55, did you under the authority of a search warrant search the premises at 283C White City, Jabavu, Johannesburg ? — Yes.

Did you there seize the following documents ? — LN.l, 3 issues of the newspaper "New Age" for December 1954, March 1955, September 1955 and also September 1955 ? — Yes.

LN.2, "News — A Soviet Review of World Events" No. 17 of September 1954, No, 18 of September 1954, and No. 5 of March 1955 ? — That is correct.

LN.3, a pamphlet, "Awake Africa" issued by the A.N.C. Transvaal, and T.I.C., Johannesburg ?— Yes.

LN.4, "Advance", a couple of copies ?— Yes. IN,5, 3 copies of "Fighting Talk", September

1955, July 1955, and July 1953 , and also one for May 1955, with the name L. Nkosi written thereon ?— Yes.

LN.6, publication "We Shall Not Move" issued by the Transvaal Resist Apartheid Committee ?— Yes.

LN.7 is omitted. LN.8, a booklet with the name Laurence Nkosi written on the first page, and also some writing on the last page ?— That is correct.

LN,9, a booklet "International Conference of the Textile and Clothing Workers Trade Union" with the name L.O. Nkosi written in pencil in the inner page ? — That is correct.

- m i - 6/2/57 (Cloete)

LN.10, "China Reconstructs" No. 4 of 1953 and No. 5 of 1953 ? — That is correct.

IN.11 is omitted. LN.12, leaflet "Peace is Within Your Grasp. S.A. Peace Congress. Make Your Effort Now" Trades Hall, Johannesburg August 1953 ? — Correct.

LN»13, "Common Sense About Russia" by Pat Sloane, published by the British Soviet Press Society ?— That is correct.

LN.14, booklet "Soviet Literature Monthly" Moscow No. 11 of 1952, with the name L.O. Nkosi on the front page ?— That is so.

LN.15 is omitted. LN.16, 2 copies of the World Trade Union Movemne,t July 20th 1951, and October 20th 1951 ?— That is so.

LN.17, "Information Bulletin of the Hungarian Trade Union" Budapest, No. 4 of 1954 ? — Yes.

LN.18, a booklet "South Africans in the Soviet Union" by Ruth First ? — Yes.

LN.19, "Liberation" for June 1953 ?— Yes. LN.20, "What is a Trade Union" a roneod publica-

tion, in English — first in a Bantu language, with the name L.O. Nkosi on the front and last pages ? — Yes.

LN.21 is omitted. LN.22 "Ourselves and Russia" issued by the S.A.Society for Peace and Friendship with the Soviet Union, Johannesburg ?— Yes.

LN.23 a booklet "South Africa's Way Forward" by Moses Kotane ?— Yes.

LN.24, "Under the Banner of Unity and Interna-tional Solidarity" published on the occasion of the third world trade union congress, October, 1953 ? — Yes.

- 1312 -

- 34 -

6/2/57 (Cloete)

LN.25, "South Africans for Peace" bulletin of the S.A.Peace Council for July 1954 ?— Yes.

LN.26, a bulletin of the World Council of Peace, July 1955 ?-- Yes.

LN.27, "Workers Unity" bulletin of the S.A.C.T.U. July 1955 ?— Yes.

LN.28, booklet "Welcome Freedom Volunteers" a roneod publication ? — Yes.

£N.29, a pamphlet "Educating for Ignorance" issued by the S.A.Congress of Democrats ? — Yes.

LN.30, the Freedom Charter, printed ?— Yes. LN.31, publication, supplement to No. 14 of

the World Trade Union Movement, Vienna, July 1951 ?— Yes. LN.32, pamphlet "Work with the Masses" Vital for

successful trade union action, W.F.T.U. Publications Ltd., London 1951 ? — Yes.

LN.33, a publication "New Times" August 1953 ? — Yes, the name L. Nkosi is written on the front page.

LN.34, a publication"Interview with N.A.Bulgain" by William Randolh Hearst Jnr., and Frank Connor, February 12th, 1955 ? — Yes.

LN.35, report of the first Transvaal Peace Con-ference, Johannesburg, April 1951 ?— Yes.

LN.36, draft constitution of the Society S.A.People's Congress ? — Yes.

LN.37, a publication starting from page 3, "Our Aim for 1954 is Africa for Peace" ? — That is correct.

LN.38, the Freedom Charter, roneod ?— Correct. LN,39> publication "South Africans for Peace"

issued by the S.A.Peace Council" January February 1954 ? — Yes.

- 1313-

- 35 -

6/2/57 (Cloete)

LN.40, "South Africans for Peace" "bulletin of the Transvaal Peace Council, second meeting of Transvaal Peace Council, the address of Mr. L. Nkosi on the last page ? — Yes.

LN.41, draft, "One Million Signatures for the Freedom Charter ?— Yes.

LN.42, roneod copy of a resolution adopted at the Congress of the People at Kliptown June 25-26, 1955 Yes.

LN.43, a circular 26/7/55 to "All Delegates to the Congress of the People" from the National Action Council, Congress of the People, apparently signed by Moolla ? — That is correct.

LN.44, a one-page roneod document "Mass Anti-Removal Conference," draft resolution ?— Yes.

LN.45, a roneod document, National Volunteer Corps ? — Yes.

IN.46, roneod document "Transvaal Peace Council, draft resolution" One for discussion Trades Hall, 2.15 p.m. ? — Yes,

LN.47, Transvaal Peace Council News Letter Vol. II No, 1, May 25th, 1952 ?— Yes.

LN.48, press statement by the Rev. D.C.Thompson, Chairman, on behalf of the Transvaal Peace Council, May 21st, 1952 ? — Yes.

LN.49, "Youth and the Fight for Freedom" with the name L.O. Nkosi written on the front page ?— Yes.

LN.50, a one page "Speaking Together,"Congress of the People Bulletin" at the end of the second page, Signed P. Beyleveld for National Action Council ?— Yes.

LN.51, National Action Congress membership card?

- 1314 - 6/2/57 (Cloete)

J (Madshanye)

Yes, in the name of Mr. Dhlamini, and right at the bottom, by L. Nkosi.

LN.52, a loose-leaf notebook, with manuscript notes on trade unionism, and scope of work of a trade union, etc. ?— Correct.

LN.53, Transvaal Peace Council publication, cir-cular "Dear Friends" dated December 1952 ?— That is so.

LN.54, a publication "Why Friendship with Russia" issued by the S.A.Society for Peace and Friendship with the Soviet Union, Johannesburg ?— Yes.

LN.55, is that a two-page roneod document "The Meaning of the Chines Revolution" March 27th, 1954 ?—Yes.

IN.56, a publication, from the Federation of S.A.Women "let Women Make the Laws" ? — Yes. (No further questions) CROSS-EXAMINATION RESERVED:

PHILLIP MADSHANYE, duly sworn. EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. VAN NIEKERK)

Are you a native detective constable, S.A.Police, stationed at Johannesburg ?— That's correct.

On 27/9/55, did you accompany det. const. Du Plessis to a certain house in Orlando ? — Yes.

What house ? — 987OB, Orlando. Who is the occupant of this house ?— Lilian

Ngoyi. Can you identify her ?— Yes. (Witness leaves box

and identifies Accused No. 52,) Was she present at the house when you arrived

there ?— She was not at home when we arrived there. V/as the place searched in your presence ? — Yes.

- 1 3 1 5 - 6/2/57

- 37 -(Madshanye) (Moeller)

How long have you known Lilian Ngoyi ? — I have known her for the last three years. (No further questions)

CROSS-EXAMINATION RESERVED:

THEODOR EMIL EDUART MOELLER. duly sworn, EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. VAN NIEKERK)

You are a det. sgt. S.A,Police, stationed at Johannesburg ? — I am.

Do you know the Accused, Nimrod Sejake ?— Yes. Do you know where he stays ? — At 667B, White

City Jabavu. Can you identify him ? — Yes. (Witness leaves

box and identifies Accused No. 65.) Did he reside there at that place on 27/9/55?—Yes Do you know the accused Laurence Nkosi ? — I do. Do you know where he stays ?— At 283C. White

City, Jabavu. Can you identify him ?— Yes. (W&tneed identifies

Accused No. 55.) Did he stay there on 27/9/55 ? — Yes,

(No further questions) CROSS-EXAMINATION RESERVED:

GIDEON ELLIS VAN WYK, duly sworn. EXAMINED BY P.P.:

Are you a detective sergeant, Marshall Square, Johannesburg ?— Yes.

On 5/12/1956, did you acting under the authority of a search warrant, search the premises 283C, White City Jabavu ? — That is correct.

- 1316 -

- 38 -

6/2/57 (Van Wyk)

Do you know who is the occupant of these pre-mises ? — Laurence Nkosi,

Was he present ?— He was. Did you arrest him on that occasion ?— I did. Can you identify him ? — I can. (Witness leaves

"box and identifies Accused No, 55.) Did you there under the authority of a search

warrant seize the following documents: LN.57, a stickej-"Africa for Peace" ?— That is correct,

LN.58, a paper badge ?— That is correct. LN.59, membership card of the A.N.C. in the

name of Laurence Nkosi, signed by P. Mathole ?— Yes. LN.60, a circular, roneod, 2 copies "The

African Education Movement" ?— Yes. LN.61, a newspaper "New Age" issue of 15/11/56,

? — Yes. LK.62, a booklet of donation slips for the

Transvaal Peace Council ?— Yes. LN. 63, "Liberation" No. 22 of November 1956

? — Yes. LN.64, the newspaper "New Age" of November 29th,

1956 ? — That is correct.



HENDRIK PIENAAR, duly sworn: EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. VAN NIEKERK:

Are you a detective sergeant, S.A.Police, stationed at Marshall Square, Johannesburg ?— Yes.

- 1317 -

- 39 -

6/2/57 (Pienaar)

On 27/9/55 , did you under the authority of a search warrant, search the house, or the flat of A.E. Patel ? — Yes.

Where was that ? — cr. Lilian Road and Berea Streets, Fordsburg, Johannesburg District — Plat No. 1.

Do you know this person A.E. Patel ?— I do not know him.

Did you there seize the following articles: AEP.l, bulletin of the Transvaal Provincial Committee of the Congress of the People, November 27th 1954, No. 1 ?— Yes.

AEP.2, bulletin of the Transvaal Committee of the C.O.P., March 2nd, 1955, No. 3 ? — Yes.

\

AEP.3, "South Africa's Way Forward" by Moses Kotane ? — Yes.

AEP.4, "South Africans in the Soviet Union" published and edited by Ruth First ? — Yes.

AEP.5, a special issue of "The Call", 2 copies ? — Yes, "Forward to the Congress of the People".

AEP. 6, publication "The Agenda Book; |th Annual Conference of the Natal Indian Congress, held Durban 25 to 27th March, 1955 ? — Yes.

AEP.7, publication Natal Indian Congress Agenda Book, 7th Annual Congress, Durban, 1954, with the name of delegate V.S.M. Pillay, Branch Executive, written therein ? — Yes.

AEP.8, the agenda 21st Conference of the S.A. Indian Congress, held at Durban, July 1954, with name and province at the bottom, A.E.Patel, printed in. ? — Yes.

AEP.9, roneod dodument, "A Message to the African

6/2/57 - 1318 -

(Pienaar) - 40 - (Genis)

People and their allies, the straggle for freedom in the Union of South Africa" ?— Yes, by A.J, Luthuli, Presidents-General, African National Congress, June 15th 1953, P.O. Groutville Mission, via Durban, Natal ?— Yes,

ASP,10, "Documents of the special session of the World Peace Council" Berlin 1 to 6, 1952 ?— Yes,

AEP.ll, National Action Council of the C.O.P, circular, undated, "As are suit of the historical call made by the African National Congress at its Conference in Queenstown " ?— Yes. (No further questions)


EDWARD DAVID GENIS, duly sworn. EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. VAN NIEKERK)

Are you a detective constable, S,A.Police, sta-tioned at Johannesburg, ? — Yes.

On 5/12/56, did you proceed to Plat No. 1, cr'. Bree and Lilian Streets, Pordsburg ? — Yes.

Did you there under the authority of a search warrant search the premises ? — Yes.

Do you know who the occupier is of those pre-mises ? — Yes, A.E.Patel.

Can you identify him ? — Yes. (Witness leaves box and identifies Accused No. 58)

Did you arrest this person ? — No, he was arres-ted in my presence.

Did you there under the authority of a search warrant seize the following documents ? — Yes.

AEP.12, "Soviet Union Today" a book, 1952, Laurence & Wichardt Ltd., London ? — Yes.

- 1319 -

- 41 -

6/2/57 (Genis)

AEP.13, a "booklet "The Soviet Union in the Struggle for Peace" issued by the Soviet News, London ?— Yes.

AEP.14, a booklet "The Nations Can Live in Peace, the Soviet View" Soviet News Booklet, published in London ? — Yes.

AEP.15 is omitted. AEP.16,- "Fighting Talk" for May 1955, with some writing on the last page and on the front page ? — Yes.

AEP.17, publication "For Peace and Friendship" information bulletin April 1956, issued by the S.A.Society for Peace and Friendship with the Soviet Union written on the front page ?— Yes.

AEP.18, "The Young Democrats" October ? — Yes. AEP.19 is omitted. AEP.20, a publication

"For Peace and Friendship" special information bulletin March 1956, on the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, issued by the Society for Peace & Friendship with the Soviet Union, Johannesburg ? — Yes.

AEP.21, a booklet "Britain's Guests" Nicolai Bulganin and N. Kruschev, Their Lives and Work, Soviet News Booklet, April 1956 ? — Yes.

AEP.22 and 23 are omitted. AEP.24, a roneod document "Report of the National Consultative Committee presented to the joint executive of the A.N.C,, S.A.I.C., S.A.C.P.O., S.A.C.O.D., and S.A.C.T.U." ? — Yes.

AEP25, organisational report, a roneod document, 5 pages ?— Yes.

AEP.26, special supplement, roneod document, 7 pages, "Why is the Cult of the Individual alien to the

6/2/57 - 1320 - ' ' (Genis)

- 42 -

spirit of Marxism-Leninism" ?— Yes. AEP.27, two page document, roneod resolutions,

dated 3rd and 4th June, 1956 ?— Yes. AEP.27A, is that a roneod document, starting from

page 24 to page 35, and on page 29, Chapter 7, "The Marxist View of Nature" and page 33 Chapter 8, "A Guide to Action" ? — Yes.

ASP.28, a roneod page "An Urgent Call to the Indian people" ? — Yes.

AEP.29, a roneod page "The March of the Women of South Africa for the withdrawal of passes for women and the repeal of pass laws" ?— Yes.

AEP.30, portion of a roneod page, "We Say There Has Been No Change; The Pass Laws Have Not Been Abolished" issued by the Women's League, A.N.C., Benoni, three copies ? — Yes.

AEP.31, a roneod document "Calling Indian Ten-ants" and the last paragraph "The Transvaal Indian Congress has convened an All-in Conference on Group Areas at Ghandi Hall on Saturday And Sunday 25th - 26th August." ?— Yes.

ASP.32, a roneod document, starting from page 4 to page 19, commencing "See Essentials " page 6: "1, Colonial Politics and Nationalism ,..." Page 9 "War or Peace," Page 15 "Class and Race", Page 18: "National Liberation and Socialism" ?— Yes.

ASP.33 , roneod document, page 3 to page 10, annexure 6 on page 3 starts off with the Freedom Charter and annexure 7 The Group Areas Act ? — Yes.

AEP.34 is omitted. ASP.35, Natal Indian Con-gress Agenda Book, 9th Annual Conference held at Durban, 22-24th June, 1956 ? — Yes.

- 1321 - 6/2/57 (Genis)

- 43 - (Greeff)

AEP.36, agedna, 22nd Conference of the S.A, Indian Congress held in Johannesburg, Ghandi Hall, October 1956; on page 9, notes on minutes of 23rd Conference of S.A.Indian Congress, held at Durban on July 1954, a reso-lution was moved by Debi Singh and seconded by A.E.Patel ? — That is correct. (No further questions)


AUGUST ARNOLD GREEF, duly sworn. (Interpreter Mr. Gresse Sworn in)

EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. VAN NIEKERK)

Are you a detective sergeant, S.A.Police, sta-tioned at Krugersdorp ? — Yes.

On 5/12/56, did you go to the premises 108, Waterval Street, Newlands ? — Yes.

Did you there search the premises under the authority of a search warrant ?— Correct.

Do you know who occupies those premises ? — The room I searched is occupied by an Indian male, Suliman Esakjee.

Can you identify the person ? — I think so. (Witness leaves box and identifies Accused No. 9)•

Did you there seize the following documents: SE.l, a publication "The Second National Conference of the Federation of S.A.Women" August 1956, a report on the main speeches and resolutions ?— That is correct. I found this document in motor-car TJ.77253, which was parked outside the premises, and which according to Accused No. 9 himself, was driven by him.;—

SE.2, a leaflet "Stop the War in Egypt" ? — Yes

- 1322 -

- 44 -

6/2/57 (Grceff)

I found this document in the same car. Did you only find one copy ? — No, seteayal

copies, approximately 40. SE,3, is that a publication 6/10/56, "Polish

Facts and Figures" ? — Yes, I found this in a drawer of a liable in the flat occupied by Accused No. 9#

SE.4, is that another document, dated 1/10/56, "Polish Facts and Figures" ?— Yes. I found this docu-ment in the same place as SE.3.

SE,5» a publication "Republic of Egypt" Ministry for Foreign Affairs White Paper on the nationalisation of the Suez Canal Maritime Company, published by the Government on 12/8/56, Government Press, Cairo, 1956 ? — Yes. This document was lying on the dresser in the room.

SE.6, a document "The Cry" September 1956 ?— Yes, a monthly magazine published by the Centre for

Research Middle East/Information Department ? — Yes, It was also found on the dresser in the same room,

SE,7, the agenda book All-in Group Areas Confer-ence of the Transvaal Indian Congress, held at the Ghandi Hall, Johannesburg, August 1956 ?— Yes. (No further questions) CROSS-EXAMINATION RESERVED; JACOB JOHANNES LABUSCHERf duly sworn. EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. VAN NIEKERK)

Are you a det, sgt. S.A,Police, stationed at Johannesburg ?— Correct.

On 27/9/55, did you proceed to 64 13th Street, Orange Grove, Johannesburg ?— Correct.

Did you search the premises there ?— Yes.

- 1323 -

- 45 -6/2/57 (Laubscher)

Do you know who is the occupier of those pre-mises ? — Ronald Press.

Can you identify him ? — Yes, I have seen him before. (Witness leaves box and identifies Accused No,60)

Was he present when you searched his premises ? — He was not present.

Did you then under the authority of a search warrant, seize the following documents ?— I did.

REP.l, a pamphlet "Why Friendship with Russia" ?— Yes, only one copy found.

REP.2, booklet "South Africans in the Soviet Union" ? — Yes.

REP.3, a booklet "Transvaal Indian Youth Con-gress, 10th Anniversary, 1945-1955" ? — Correct.

REP.4, a booklet "South Africa's Way Forward" by Moses Kotane ? — Yes.

REP.5, a pamphlet "Welcome Freedom Volunteers" roneod ? — Yes.

REP.6, "Liberation" for September 1955 ? — Yes. REP.7, "Liberation" No. 8 1954 ?— Yes. REP.8, 11 booklets, "Marxist Study Courses —

Political Economy, Lessons 1 to 11" ? — That is correct. REP.9, one booklet "Marxist Study Course on

Political Economy, Lesson 10A " ? — Yes. REP10, is that a roneod document, 7 pages,

"General Information About the Soviet Union" ? — Correct. REP.ll, publication bulletin of the S.A.Society

for Peace and Friendship with the Soviet Union, September October, 1955 ? — Yes.

REP.12, a typewritten document, 2 pages, South African/Soviet Relations, with some pencil marks ?— Yes.

- 1324 -

- 46 -

6/2/57

REP.13, a roneod document, resolutions adopted at the Congress of the People at Kliptown on 25-26th June, 1955 ? — Correct.

REP.14, a roneod copy of the draft Freedom Charter ?— Yes.

REP .15, printed document "Call to the Congress of the People" ? — Yes.

REP.16, number of roneod copies of a document entitled ".S.A.Congress of Democrats — to all young members of S.A.Congress of Democrats" and at the bottom "Yours Faithfully, R.E. Press, for Co-ordinating Committee" typed in ?— Yes.



SEBASTIAN WOLMARANS. duly sworn, EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. VAN NISKERK)

Are you a detective sergeant, S.A.Police, sta-tioned at Johannesburg ? — I am.

On 5/12/56, did you under the authority of a search warrant search the premises at No. 64, 13th Street, Orange Grove, Johannesburg ?— I did.

Who is the occupier of those premises ? — A family by the name of Press.

Can you identify him ? — Yes, 9(Witness leaves box and identifies Accused No, 60)

And did you there seize the following articles and documents1 REP.17, a roneod document, "Speakers Notes on Passes" ?— Yes.

REP.18, "Speakers Notes No. 5, The Suppression of Communism Act" ?— Yes.

r 6/2/57 - 1325 ~ _ An _ (Wolmarans)

" (Viviers)

REP.19 "Speakers Notes Racial Intelligence" ?— Yes.

REP.20, roneod document "History of the non-European franchise" ? — Yes.

REP.21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 are various copies of "Fighting Talk" with R.E.P.26, on page 11, appearing an article "Atoms for Peace" by Dr. R. Press ? — Yes.

REP. 29, 30 and 31, various issues of "Libera-tion" ? — That is correct.

REP.32, is omitted. (No further questions) CROSS-EXAMINATION RESERVED:

JOHANNES STEFANUS VIVIERS. duly sworn. EXAMINED BY P.P.: (MR. VAN NIEKERK)

You are a det. sgt., S.A.Police, stationed at Johannesburg ? — Correct.

On 26/6/55, did you attend the Conference known as the Congress of the People at Kliptown, Johannesburg ? — I did.

Did you there search the person of Dr. R.E.Press ? I did.

Can you identify him ? — Yes. (Witness leaves box and identifies Accused No. 60).

Did you take from him the following articles under the authority of a search warrant. REP.33, a dele-gate's card to the Congress of the People ? — Correct.

REP.34, and 35 omitted. REP. 36, "South Afri-cans in the Soviet Union" edited and published by Ruth First ? — Correct. (No further questions) CROSS-EXAMINATION RESERVED:

- 1326 §

- 48 -6/2/57 (Ackerman)

MR. LIEBENBERG- ADDRESSES COURT: (Documents of John Mavuso, found at 102, 16th Avenue, Alexandra Township)

ADRIAAN ACKERMAN, duly sworn, EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. LIEBENBERG-)

Have you already given evidence in this case » Ye s, I have.

Do you know a person by the name of John Mavuso ? — I do.

Do you know where he lives ? — He lives at 120, 14th Avenue, Alexandra Township.

Do you see him in Court today ? — He is in Court Will you identify him ? — I will. (Witness

leaves box and identifies Accused No, 39) BY MR. COAKER: I Notice that the last witness, who I under stand is a witness who will appear frequently in this case is still in Court. (Witness leaves Court.)

EXAMINATION BY P.P. CONTD.i Do you know whether he has anything to do with

102, 16th Avenue, Alexandra Township ? — Yes, he visits a native girl resident at 102. 16th Avenue, Alexandra Town-ship, by the name of Muriel Sodinda.

Do you know whether this person Muriel has any-thing to do with any organisation ? — Yes, she is an exe-cutive member of the A.N.C, Women's League,

Have you seen John Mavuso at this address ?— I saw him leave this address early one morning.

When was that ? — During April 1956. (No further questions)

NO CROSS-EXAMINATION:

- 1327 -

- 49 -

6/2/57 (Le Roux')'

BERNARDUS WILLIAM BRAUN LB ROUX, duly sworn, EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR, LIEBENBERG)

You gave evidence here yesterday morning ?—Yes, You testified to searching the address at 120,

14th Street, Alexandra Township, and "being accompanied by a native det, const. Ramashala ? — Yes,

After you had searched that place, did you pro-ceed to 102, 16th Avenue, Alexandra Township ?— Yes,

Who did you find at this address on your arri-val ? — A native female by the name of Muriel Sodinda,

Did you have a search warrant to search that place ? — Yes.

Did you search it ?— Yes. Did you there take possession of a number of

documents ? — Yes. Which you now hand in as Exh. JJm.5, an enve-

lope addressed to the Secretary, Mr. Mavuso, 120 14th Street, Alexandra Township, Johannesburg containing letters which reads The first a letter from the Secretary, Consultative Committee, Johannesburg Region, dated 7/12/55, addressed to the Secretary, Mr, Mavuso, 120, 14th Street, Alexandra Township: "Enclosed please find a list of names and addresses of delegates who were present at the Con-gress of the People at Kliptown on June 25th and 26th, 1955, from your area. At the meeting of the consulta-tive committee of the Johannesburg Region, held on 26th November, 1955, it was unanimously decided that the bulle-tin issued by the Transvaal Consultative Committee, which were posted to all delegates in the past, be now posted to the branch, and the branch to be responsible to see that these bulletins get to the delegates. In this way

- 132a -6/2/57 (Le Roux)

- 50 - (Pietersen)

it is felt that the branch will have more contact with the delegates and the region will save a lot of money spent on postage. 128 copies of the bulletin will be posted to you, and are to be sold at Id. per copy to the delegates. It will be appreciated if you could let us have the sum of 10/8d. as soon as you have sold these," It is signed by S. Esakjee, Secretary, and attached are the lists of delegates." ? — Yes. MR. BERRANG-E ADDRESSES COURT:

CRe admissibility of letter)

NO CRO S S-EXAMINA TI ON:

FREDERIK PIETERSEN. duly sworn. EXAMINED BY MR. VAN NIEKERK (P.P.)

Are you a detective head constable, S.A.Police, stationed at Y/ynberg, ? — At Newlands.

On 5/12/56, didyou proceed to 132, 3rd Avenuef Alexandra Township ? — Correct.

Who were you looking for at this address ? — For James Hadebe.

Did you find him there ? — I did. Did you have a search warrant to search his

place ? — I did have. Can you identify him ? — I think I can. (Wit-

ness leaves box and identifies Accused No. 61). The first document you took, 2JH.1, issue of

"Fighting Talk" of June, 1956 ? — Yes. 2JH.2, "The Lodestar" of August 1956 ? — Yes. 2JH.3, a pamphlet "The Soviet Union and Hungary"

of November 1956 ? — Yes. 2 JH.4, a bulletin called "New Youth of August

- 1329 - 6/2/57 (Pietersen)

- 51 -1954 ?-- Yes.

2JH.5, handbill entitled "The Imperialists MustQuit Egypt" ? — Correct.

2JH^6, a pamphlet called "A New Wind Arising" ? — Yes.

2JH.7, a speech by J.J. Hadebe in ink ? — Yes; 2JH.I, a membership card of the A.NiC., made

out to J.J. Hadebe, No. 1 Alexandra Township, and signed by P. Mathole ? — Correct. (No further questions)

CROSS-EXAMINATION RESERVED: COURT ADJOURNS:

- 1330 - 7/2/57 (Du Randt)

COURT RESUMES 7/2/57

APPEARANCES AS BEFORE:

BY MR. COAKER: May it Please Your Worship; in addition to those Accused in respect of whom 1 have handed in medical certificates, I beg leave to hand in a doctor's certificate in respect of Joseph Kumalo, Accused No. 19, who was excused on Tuesday afternooij. I have also a medical certificate in respect of Accused Billy Nair, No. 142.

JACOB LODEWYK DU RANDT, duly sworn, EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. LIEBENBERG):

Are you a detective head constable, S.A. Police, stationed at Marshall Square ? — Yes.

On 5/12/56, did you proceed to 604A, White City Jabavu ? — Yes.

With a search warrant ? — Yes. Who were you looking for ? — Marks William

Shope. Did you find this person ? — I did. Can you identify him ? — I think I could. (Wit-

ness identifies Accused No. 68). Did you arrest him ? — I did, on 5/12/56. Did you search his house ? — I did. Did you take possession of a number of docu-

ments ? — I did. MWS.l, a pamphlet entitled "Quit Egypt" ? — Yes. MWS.2, "Liberation" No. 10 of 1954 ? — Yes. PS.3, "Liberation" No. 16 of 1956 ? — Yes. MWS.4, "Liberation" No. 17 of 1956 ? — Yes. MWS.5, "Liberation" No. 21 of 1956 ? — Yes. MWS.6, "Liberation" No. 22 of 1956 ? — Yes.

- 1331 -

- 2 -

7/2/57 (Du Randt)

MWS.7, an A.N.C. membership card made out to... ? — M.J. William Shope,

MWS.8 , a letter, roneod circular, issued by the Transvaal Consultative Committee, Johannesburg, on 7/5/56 ? — Yes.

Dealing with the collection of One Million Signatures for the Freedom Charter, signed by P. Mathole

Yes. MWS.9 another circular letter issued by the

A.N.C., 15/10/55, in connection witfc a special conference to be held on 6/11/55, signed by P. Mathde ?— Yes.

MW S . 10 , another circular letter issued by the •&#N.C. Transvaal on 14/5/56, about a special conference to be held on 20/5/56, signed by J. Nkadimeng and Mi Ranta for Secretariat ? — Yes.

MIS.11, circular issued by the A.N.C. 29/1/55, in connection with the organisation for the C.0»P., with the name Robert M. Resha, for Secretariat, typed, and on the same circular, the second half, appears a notice of the meeting of the Johannesburg Region of the Congress of the People, to be held on 9/2/55, with the name 0. Motsabi, typed at the end ?— That is correct,

MWS.12, a roneod circular issued by the Trans-vaal Consultative Committee of 5/6/56, dealing with the first anniversary of the Freedom Charter, to be cele-brated on 24/6/56, signed by P. Mathde ? — Yes.

MWS.13, another circular issued by the A.N.C, Transvaal on 7/2/56, dealing with organisational matters, with the name of P. Mathole typed at the bottom ? — Yes.

MWS.14, a roneod document entitled "Programme" starting: "The A.N.C. is totally opposed to imperialism,

- 1332 -

- 2 -

7/2/57 (Du Randt)

colonialism, and all forms and manifestations of national racial oppression " ?— That is correct.

MWS.15, a list of volunteers for the C.O.P., A.N.C., Ja"bavu Branch, and attached to it is a circular issued "by the A.N.C., Transvaal on 30/11/56, calling at-tention to a special meeting to he held in Newclare to organise against the permit system, signed by P.Mathole and attached also are the minutes of a meeting, the date is not stated ? — Yes.

MWS.16, the draft of a circular issued by the A.N.C. Dube Branch, ?«-*rYeeJ x>. juuc Bianch -v

MWS.17, a report by the A.N.C. Javabu Branch, dated 9/8/55, dealing with the removal of the Western Areas, and the C.O.P., the Bantu Education Act, and it is signed by B. Hlapane, Secretary, and M.J.Shope, Chair-man ?— Correct.

MWS.18, report of the National Executive Com-mittee of the A.N.C., held at Bloemfontein in December, 1955, ? — Yes.

MWS.19, a roneod document entitled "Freedom Charter Signature Campaign" ?— Correct.

MWS.20, a Freedom Charter ? — Yes. MWS.21, printed copy of the Freedom Charter

?-- Yes. MS.22, constitution of S.A.C.T.U. ?— Yes. MWS. 23, a pamphlet entitled "We Are Many" ?—

Yes. MWS.24, a pamphlet entitled "Women in Chians ?-

Yes. MWS.25, "Fighting Talk" No. 10 ? — Correct. MWS.26, another issue of "Fighting Talk" No.12

- 1333 -- 2 -

7/2/57 (Du Randt)

Correct. MVS,27, another issue of "Fighting Talk" Vol.

XII ?— Yes. Three pinned together. MWS.28, bulletin called"Congress Voice" ?—Yes MWS.29, pamphlet called "Workers Unity" Vol.

XIII No. 1 ?-- Yes. MWS.30, "Workers Unity" Vol. i No. 7 ? — Yes. MWS.31, minute hook of the A.B.C. ?— Yes.

Minutes ofH28/j0/52 signed "by L. Nkosi and minutes of 27/10/52 signed by L. Nkosi again? and minutes of 10/11/ 52 again signed by L. Nkosi as Secretary. And the minutes of the Executive Committee of the A.N.C., Jabavu Branch, held on 22/6/56, signed by William Shope as Chairman ?— Yes.

As also minutes of 3/7/56 and again of 10/7/56 and a subsequent meeting, undated, also signed by W. Shope; also minutes of a meeting held on 7/8/56 ?— Yes.

MWS.32, a list of names and addresses and also what appears to be a report on political activities, where the following appears : "Election, president Moretsele, committee members B. Hlapane, 0. Motsabi, Mrs, Ngoyi, Mathole, Nkadimeng and Sibande" ?— Yes.

MWS. 33 is omitted. MWS, 34, is the consti-tution of the A.N.C. ? — Yes.

MWS.35, roneod circular issued by the A.N.C. Transvaal on 10/11/56, referring to the forthcoming Queenstown Conference to be held in December, 1956, signed by P. Mathole, Acting Secretary ?— Yes.

MWS.36, a letter from the Acting Secretary, A.N.C. Executive Committee, Jabavu Branch, dated 9/10/56 and the addressee is not stated ?— Yes,

- 1334 -

- 5 -

7 A/51 (Du Randt)

MWS.37, roneod circular issued "by the Transvaal A.N.C, on 12/9/56, notifying branch secretaries of the annual provincial conference to be held in October 1956, at Lady Selborne, Pretoria, signed by P. Mathole ? — Yes.

MWS.38, another circular of the Transvaal Branch of the A.N.C,, of 2/10/56, referring to the Transvaal Provincial Conference in November 1956, signed by P. Mathole ?— Yes,

MWS.39, another circular issued by the African National Congress, on 15/10/56, referring to the forth-coming Queenstown Conference ?— Yes,

MWS.40, draft constitution of the A.N.C, ?— Correct.

MWS.41, a roneod circular entitled "The African in the Rural Areas" — I will omit that as also MWS.42.

MWS.43, a roneod document entitled "Education and the African" ?— Yes.

MWS.44 is omitted. MWS.45, agenda of the S.A. National Peace Convention on 27th, 28th October 1956 ?— Yes.

MWS.46, circular issued by the Preparatory Committee for the National Peace Convention, containing a notice of the forthcoming national convention with the 1 name Leon Levy, Chairman, of the Preparatory Committee typed in ?— That is correct,

MWS.47, a roneod document drawn up by the Federation of S.A.Women ? — Yes.

MWS.48, a notice in ink:, issued by the A.N.C. Jabavu Branch in October 1956 to all committee members,

- 1335 -

- 2 -

7/2/57 (Du Randt)

of a meeting to "be held at 604A, at Jabavu, and it is signed "by M. Shope ? — That is correct.

MY7S.49, "bulletin entitled AEM News of October 1956 ? — Correct.

MWS.50, roneod circular issued "by the A.N.C. on 9/11/55, addressed to the Branch Secretaries, referr-ing to the draft copy of the constitution, signed "by O.R. Tambo, acting Secretary-General ? — Yes.

MWS .51, minutes of a meeting, no date, with a list of names and branches attached ? — Yes.

MWS.52 is omitted.



DANIEL JOHANNES SNGELBRECHT. duly sworn. EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. LIEBENBERG)

Are you a detective sergeant, S.A.Police, stationed at Fordsburg ?— Yes.

On 27 /9/55 did you proceed to the Medical School of the Witwatersrand University ? — Yes.

Who were you looking for there ?— Por Sydney Shall.

Did you find him ?— I did. Did you feave a search warrant to search the

flat at 2 Glendale Mansions, Sharp Street, Bellevue ? — I did.

Did he accompany you to this address ? — He was not living at that address at the time. He had apparently moved. He took me to his flat ...

Did he take you to 22 Millers Mansions, 42 Quarts Street, Hillbrow ? — Yes.

- 1336 -

- 10 -

7/2/57 (Engelbrecht)

Did you there search his flat in his presence ? — That is correct.

Did you there take possession of a number of books and documents ?— Yes.

The first one — can you identify him ?— I think I will be able to identify him. (Witness identi-fies Accused No. 67.)

The first document you took, is that SS.l, booklet entitled "Education in the U.S.S.R." ?— Yes.

55.2, Kotane's Booklet "South Africa's Way Forward" ? — Correct.

55.3, booklet called "Geneva Four-Power Conference" ? — Yes.

55.4, album of the Congress of the People ?— Yes.

55.5, "Liberation" September 1955 ?— Yes. 55.6, "Fighting Talk" of July 1954 ? — Yes. 55.7, "Charting the course of the struggle

against Bantu Education" a pamphlet ? — Yes. 55.8, "Fighting Talk" of July 1955 ?— Yes. 55.9, "Fighting Talk" of September 1955 ?—

Yes. 55.10, a pamphlet called "Society for Cultu-

ral Relations with the U.S.S.R." ? — Yes. 55.11, booklet called "Workers Unity" of

August 1955 ?— Yes. 55.12, another issue of "Workers Unity" of

July 1955 ? — Yes. 55.13, typewritten document "What is the

Congress of the People " ? — Yes,

- m i - 7 / 2 / 5 7

(Engelbrecht) - 8 -

55.14, circular of the S.A.C.O.D., setting out the rights of the citizen, and the police powers of questioning, and attached is a copy of Counter-Attack dealing with the Western Areas Removal campaign, and another copy of Counter-Attack dealing with Bantu Edu-cation ? — Yes, also "Where the Devil Drives" and

"Educating 'Ignorance" and another document setting out the rights of the citizens, dealing with certain offences, and giving definitions of these crimes; then another copy of "Counter-Attack" dealing with the Peace Campaign, undated; and another document, entitled "Notes for Speakers on the Nationalist Threat to Democracy".

55.15, handbill called "Listen Young Friend" ?— Yes.

55.16, circular issued by the National Action Council of the C.O.P., on 30/3/55, signed by M.Moolla, SS.16A, bulletin of the Transvaal Committee of the COP

called "Forward to Freedom"; 16B, handbill called "Let Us Speak of Freedom" and another copy of the same hand-bill in Zulu; 16C, COP bulletin of August 1954, called "Speaking Together"; 16D another issue of Congress Bulletin addressed to all volunteers; 16E, copy of the same bulletin, dealing with representatives for the Natal Conference; 16F a document writtenin ink, dealing with the task of volunteers to explain the significance of the COP to the South African population; 16G, "Speakers Notes on the COP? 16H, a circular issued by S.A.C.O.D. on 6/8/54, dealing with the provincial confer-ence to be held on 25/7/ , reading: ".July 25th, Provin-cial Conference in the Transvaal showed beyond any mis-

- 1338 -

-9 -


understanding that we have wakened the enthusiasm of the people and have started one of those great forward movements which make up the history of liberty." Then it goes on to deal with the Freedom Charter, and it is signed by Rica Hodgson, National Secretary, and P. Beyle-veld, Chairman; 161 is omitted; 16J, is a circular issued by the National Action Council of the C.O.P., on 19/1/55, with the name P. Beyleveld, for Secretariat, typed, and it deals with the gathering in of demands for the Freedom Charter, and 16K, a handbill called "A Call to the People of Natal Midlands; 16L, roneod circular issued by the Natal Action Committee of the C.O.P. on 16/3/55, referring to a C.O.P, Volunteers Meeting, signed by P.H. Simelane; 16M, a roneod document entitled "Onward to the Congress of the People" 16N, a copy of the document 16L; 160 is a roneod document entitled "For Discussion and Consideration by C.O.D. Regions and Branches" and a guide to future activities," dealing with general matters or organisation; 16P, a notice of a mass meeting to be held on 24/2/ , speakers Dr. ̂ .M. Motala, and others; 16Q an invitation to the Congress of the People; 16R a bulletin of the Congress of People entitled Forward to Freedom of 1/3/55; ?— Correct.

55.17, a lecture entitled "Nationalism in S.A." by Mr. L. Forman, and some further copies of the same document ?— Yes,

This is the "Symposium on the National Question" by Dr. H, Simons, and T. Ngwenya, and so on ?— Correct.

55.18, a lecture "The Country We Live in"?— Yes.

55.19, a report of the Secretariat on the Wes-

- 1339 -

- 10 -


tern Areas, on page 2 appears; "The removal scheme is part of the Group Areas Act. Considering its serious nature the President-General and Moses Kotane called upon the people to make the campaign the Waterloo of apartheid." "Various dates for the removal were arranged, hut in the face of the people's preparedness, they ware subsequently postponed. This had the effect of weaken-ing the general preparedness of the people and resulted in a falling off of activity amongst the people them-selves. The majority of the volunteers, however, con-tinued their activities." ?— That is correct.

55.20, "The World We Live in" ? ~ Yes. 55.21, a printed Freedom Charter ?— Correct. 55.22, pamphlet called "Forward from Geneva"

? — Yes. 55.23, a bulletin of the C.O.P. called"Speafcing

Together" ?— Correct. 55.24, "National Liberation Struggle in Asia"

? — Yes. 55.25, a pamphlet "Call to the Congress of the

People to frame the Freedom Charter." ?— Yes. SS.26 a report from the National Volunteer

Board ? — Correct. 55.27, a document entitled "The Youth Movement"

? — Correct. 55.28, copy of a typewritten document, en-

titled "An Introduction to the historical development of the agrarian question in South Africa" ?— Yes.

55.29, a report of the National Action Council of the C.O.P. ? — Yes.

55.30, the Freedom Charter ?— Yes.

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- 10 -


55.31, bulletin called "Forward to Freedom" of May 1955 ?— Correct.

55.32, a lecttxre "A Change is Needed", No. 3 ? — Yes.

55.33, draft Freedom Charter ? — Yes. 55.34, copy of a typewritten document en-

titled "Student Unity, Democracy and the Charter" ?—Yes, 55.35, copy of a typewritten document,

instructions to branch visitors, dealing with desailds that were to be collected, C.O.P. literature and avail-able propaganda to be distributed; then with general matters of finance and local problems ? — Yes.

55.36, roneod document entitled "Speakers Notes No, 5" on the Suppression of Communism Act ?—Yes.

55.37, a song of the International Brigade?— Yes*

SS.37a, a circular entitled "We Call the People of South Africa Black and White, Let us Speak Together of Freedom" ?— Correct.

55.38, a book called "Marxism and the Irra-tionalists" by John Lewis ?— Correct.

55.39, a booklet "25 Years of Soviet Natural Science" by A.E. Verseman.

SS.40 a booklet called "The Saw" by E.Ehren-burg ?— Yes.

55.41, a booklet called "The Threatened People" issued by the S.A.Congress of Democrats ? — Correct.

55.42, a pamphlet called "New Youth" of 24/8/54 ?— Correct. (No further questions) CROSS-EXAMINATION RESERVED:

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7/2/57 (Buytendagh)

BEREND BUYTENDAGH« duly sworn, EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. LIEBENBERG)

You have already given evidence in this case ? — Yes.

On 26/6/55, were you on duty at Kliptown where the Congress of the People Conference was held ?— Yes. 4 Did you have a search warrant there to search persons ? — Yes.

Was a person who gave her name as Mary Ranfe searched in your presence ?— Yes,

Did you write down her name and address on an envelope ?— I did.

Is this the envelope ? — Yes, (MR.147) What address did she give you ? — 59 Tohy

Street, Sophiatown. And was she then searched in your presence ?—

Yes. Were the following documents removed from

her ?— Yes. MR.141, Congress of the People, Delegates

badge ? — Yes. MR.142, Credential Card, issued to Cecilia

Kuza, of Queenstown ? — Yes. MR.143, a draft Freedom Charter ? — Yes. MR.144, omitted; MR.145 a circular in a native

language "Sebatha Kgomo" with the envelope addressed to Chief Makote of Louis Trichardt; and MR.146, the same type of circular addressed to another chief in Louis Trichardt ? — Yes. (No further questions) CROSS-EXAMINATION RESERVED:

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13 -

6/2/57 v?uytondagh) (Dorfling)

PAULUS STEFANUS DORFLING, duly sworn, EXAMINED BY P.P. (MR. LIEBENBERG)

Are you a detective sergeant in theS,A.Police, stationed at Jeppe ? — Yes.

On 5/12/56, did you proceed to 59 Toby Street, Sophiatown ?— Yes,

Who were you looking for ? — I had a warrant to arrest Mary Rantha,

Did you find her ?— Yes, in her room. Did you arrest her ?— Yes, I arrested her at

this address. Can you identify her ?— (Witness leaves box

and identifies Accused No. 62), Did you also have a search warrant ?— I had a

search warrant to search her room. And did you there take possession of some docu-

ments and books ? — Yes. MR,1, telegram addressed to Miss Ngcomo of 38

Market Street, Johannesburg ?— Yes. Purporting to come from Matthews ?— Yes. MR.2, a note in ink — that is omitted. I also

omit MR. 3 and MR.4. MR.5, strip of paper, entitled "Credential, Western Native Township Branch A.N.C. Women's League, 11/11/56," with the following names: Ida Mtwana; Hilda Shese, Acting Secretary at the bottom ?- Correct.

What Next" issued by the S.A.Society for Peace and Friendship with the Soviet Union ? — Yes.

MR,8, a booklet called "The Soviet Union on disarmament" ?— Yes,

MR.6 is omitted. MR.7, handbill "Russia -

- 1343 - 7/2/57 (Dorfling)

- 14 -

MR.9, a notebook, containing the following: Draft resolution to be passed at a meeting...... then what looks like the minutes of a meeting held in Ander-sen Street in September, where Miss L. Ngoyi thanked the executive...... Then the minutes of a meeting held on 11/3/56; then notes of a lecMre given by Morris Kagan which refer to "South African is a colonial and sub-democratic.,.. and democratic to the whites Overthrow capitalism into socialism, that is the battle of South Africa;" also notes on "What our bourgeosoies" i notes reading "The S.A.Peace Council has fought for many years for peace in South Africa, and the Congress Move-ment has given it its full s u p p o r t . there shall be peace and comfort; we shall all live together in peace;" then notes of a meeting held on 28/3/56, which refer to the activities of women in Winburg, O.P.S., in regard to the opposition to passes for women; programme of some meeting where the speakers would be Mr. R. Resha, and letters sent to progressive organisations, T.I.C., S.A.C.O.D., S.A.C.P.O., S.A.C.T.U.; then what appears to be the notes of a meeting where Mr. Masina was the speaker, Mr. Mathole read message of the chief, Dr. Naicker's message, referring to the Freedom Charter; Mr. Leon Levy was also a speaker; Rev. Thompson spoke on behalf of the Peace Council ?— Yes.

MR.10, a message or a speech "On behalf of the A.N.C. Y/omen's League I bring greetings to the Nat-ional Peace Conference" Page 4: "It is important while every woman and mother teaches her child to res-pect the race and culture of another, to carefully point out who are the warmongers in society, and why they are

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- 20 -

7/2/57 | (Dorfling)

•bent on destroying the human race so that they maintain their position of exploitation, oppression and domina-tion....11 It is not signed or dated ?— Correct.

MR.11 is omitted. MR.12 is a resolution in pencil, condemning what looks like increases of news acts, and passes for women ?— Correct.

MR.13, a letter from Bloemfontein dated 22/10/56, addressed to Mrs. M. Rantha, with the envelope addressed to Mrs. Mary Rantha, 59 Toby Street, dealing with A.N.C. matters ? — Yes.

MR.14 is omitted. MR.15, another letter from non-European Hostel, Johannesburg on 1/7/56, addressed to "Dear Mary," containing the following "May the fight for liberation go from strength to strength," .... "Can you contact a few people to sow the seeds of the Freedom Charter"... "Mayibuye Comrade. I feel like a soldier not allowed to fight, and yet seeing that the "battle is on, that the enemy is gaining strength, it seems as if I see my own people seeking help, groaning in pains and "being desolate..." ? — Yes.

MR. 16 is a letter from 923 Gonyan Street, Bloemfontein, dated 26/8/56, addressed to "Dear M. Rantha" and dealing with affairs of the A.N.C. W ome n's Leage; the envelope is addressed tc Mrs. M, Rantha, 59 Toby Street and is attached ?— Correct.

MR.17, a letter in ink, signed by M. Rantha, secretary, dated 3/9/56, addressed to the Secretary, A.N.C.W.I., Western Region, Cape Town, dealing with A.N.C. matters, and attached is another letter addressed to the Secretary-General, African National Congress, Johannesburg, asking for help in connection with the

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- 20 -

7/2/57 | (Dorfling)

Bloemfontein National Congress, and dertain other activi-ties of the Women's League, and another letter of the same date addressed to the General Secretary, 30 Progress Buildings; also dealing with affairs of the Women1s League — all signed "by Mr. Rantha ? — Yes.

MR. 18, letter from M. Rantha, 59 Toby Street, Sophiatown, 6/11/56, to Darling Martha, again dealing with the Women's League Affairs, and 18A, a letter from 59 Toby Street, 6/11/56, signed by My Rantha} another letter 18B of 6/11/56, also, signed M. Rantha, Secretary-General, Women's League, addressed to the Secretary; ?— Yes.

MR.19, copy of a typewritten letter from the A.N.C. Germiston Branch, Women's Section, dated 21/2/56, addressed to the native Commissioner, Germiston, and referring to a public meeting held on 5/2/56, dealing with the opposition of the African Women to the issue of passes; it is not signed ?— Yes.

MR.20, typewritten letter from the same branch, Germiston, dated 22/2/56, addressed to the Town Clerk, Germiston, dealing with an assembly to take place on 3/3/56, to demonstrate at the native commissioner's office; it is not signed ?— Yes.

MR.21, typewritten letter from the A.N.C. Youth League, of 24/4/56, addressed to the Secretary, A.N.C. Women's League, and signed by T.S.Makiwane, Acting Secretary, National Working Committee of the Youth League; referring to the creation of effective co-operation between the working committee of the Youth League and the Women's League ?— Yes,

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7/2/57 (Dorfling)

MR.22, a letter in ink, with the address A.N.C. Women's League, Johannesburg, 24/10/56, addressed to the National Secretary, Peace Council, Johannesburg ?— Yes.

MR,23, typewritten letter from the A.N.C. Youth League, 23/4/56, addressed to the Secretary,A.N.C. Women's League, referring again to the need for co-operation between the Youth League and the Women's League, signed by T.H.Makiwane, for the National Working Committee ?— Yes.

MR.24, 25 and 26 are omitted. MR.27, a letter from Martha Mtholokoana, 93 Gonyana Street, Bloemfontein, 29/5/56, addressed to "Dear Secretary,"dealing with the case of Winburg, and signed by Martha Mtholokoana as Secretary of the Free State and Organiser,, ?— Yes,

MR,28, a letter from Winburg, addressed to the Secretary-General, Women's League, in Sesutu ?— Yes.

MR.29, a letter from 923 Gonyana Street, Bloem-fontein of 21/6/56, addressed to Mrs. M. Rantha, in Sesutu, dealing with Congress Matters, ? — Yes.

MR.30, a letter from Winburg Location dated 2/7/56, addressed to Mr. Mandela & Tambo, Johannesburg ? — Yes.

MR.31, a letter from Korsten Port Elizabeth, dated April 1956, to "My Dear Mary" and referring to the Congress of the People and the booklet "Women in Chains", signed by Safali, addressed to Mrs, M. Rantha, 59 Toby Street, Sophiatown ?— Yes.

MR.32, a letter from 923 Gonyana Street, Bloemfontein of 3/7/56, signed by Martha Mothlokoana, addressed to "Dear Mrs. M. Rantha,".... ?— Yes.

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- 20 -7/2/57 | (Dorfling)

MR.33, a letter from the A.N.C.Women's League, Johannesburg, dated 24/9/56, addressed to "Dear Madam," informing her of the next meeting of the National Working Committee of the Women's League, signed "by M. Rantha, Secretary-General ? — Yes.

MR.34, a letter from Port Elizabeth dated 2 4 / 4 / 5 5 , from P. Baard, Treasurer ANC. Women's League, National ?— Yes.

MR.35, portion of a letter, or document, page 2, containing a resolution that a deputation of women be sent to see the native commissioner at Durban in connection with passes for women, signed by Miss P. Mkize, Secretary, Durban Region ? — Yes.

MR.36, another letter by M. Mothlokoana of 923 Gonyana Street, Bloemfontein, addressed to Miss Ngomo ?— Yes.

MR.37, a typewritten letter from M.Mothlokoana, 9/6/55? to the Secretary, Women's Section ANC., dealing with matters pertaining to the Congress of the People ?— Yes.

MR.38, a letter from Queenstown from Cecilia Kuse addressed to Mrs. Ngomo, A.N.C. Women's League, Johannesburg, containing; "Without delay we have got to discuss our league's constitution; discuss and decide how we can put the freedom charter into practice; discuss plans about African Education; fix up our relationship with the Women's Federation" ?— Correct.

MR.39, typewritten letter from the A.N.C., Durban of 21/4/55 , advising her that communication to the Women's Section of the A.N.C., had been duly delivered ? — Yes.

- 1348 -

- 20 -

7/2/57 | (Dorfling)

MR.40, typewritten document written from Johannesburg, 18th February, 1955, containing a notice of a meeting to be held on 16th February ?— Correct, signed by Motsabi.

MR.41 , notes in ink dealing with passes for African women; careful planning, not hasty and emotional, and containing the following, appearing to be notes of a meeting: "Rev. Gawe conducted the sermon; Mr. Speaker welcomes delegates " ?— Yes, that is correct.

MR.42, report of the ANC Women's Leage of 17/12/55, dealing with the liberatory movement, and signed by J. Motsabi ?— Correct.

MR,43, a letter from Cecilia Kuze, Queenstown, of 7/12/55, addressed to the National Working Committee of the A.N.C., Women's League, Johannesburg, referring to the conference of the Cape A.N.C. in Port Elizabeth presided over by T.E. Tshunungwa ? — Yes.

MR.44, copy of a typewritten letter dated 9/3/55, the addressee is not stated, reading" Enclosed herewith is a letter to the women's section of the African National Congress. Could you kindly deliver it to any of the following ladies in your Province: O.F.S. Natal, Mkize, Kuswayo and others" with the name D. Ngomo, Secretary, typed in ?— Yes.

MR.45 is omitted. MR.46, copy of a type-written letter dated 16/7/56, addressed to the A.N.C. Women's League, Durban, containing "I must tell you that we were very -thankful to hear that you have raised so much money for the Winburg women's case" It is not signed, but "Secretary-General, Women's League, A.N.C., is typed at the bottom ? — Correct.

- 1349 -- 20 -

7/2/57 | (Dorfling)

MR . 47 is omitted and also MR.48. MR.49 copy of a letter addressed to Mr. 0. Mpeta, Cape Town, dated 6/6/56, signed by Mr. Rantha, Secretary-General, Women's League ? — Correct.

MR.50 is omitted. MR.51, a letter dated 6/6/ 56, addressed to Elizabeth Pti of Winburg, signed by M. Rantha ? — Yes.

MR.52 is omitted. MR.53, copy of a type-wirtten letter of 16/6/56, addressed to the Women's League, Durban, and signed M. Rantha, Secretary-General Women's League ? — Yes.

MR.54, copy of a typewritten letter by the A.N.C. Women's League of 19/5/56, addressed to the Secretary, Women's League, O.F.S., containing: "Further the committee asks all Provinces to send donations to the National Secretary, Women's League, so that these donations can go to the national defence committee, which is in the Transvaal, and is handling the Winburg case — it is not signed ?— Correct.

MR.55, is a copy ol MR.54; MR.56, a copy of a typewritten letter of the A.N.C, Women's League, of 27/1/56, addressed to the Provincial Secretary of the Women's League, Transvaal: "You are hereby asked to see that branches in your Province intensify the campaign against Bantu Education and other legislations that are not for the betterment of humanity," signOd by Mrs. M. Rantha, Secretary-General ?— Correct.

MR.57, copy of a typewritten letter of the A.N.C. Women's League, of IO/2/56, addressed to the Secretary-General, A.N.C., in connection with a meeting of the working committee, signed by M.- Rantha, A.N.C.

Collection: 1956 Treason Trial Collection number: AD1812

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