- 5899 -

And unpleasant? — Yes. It made you feel very unhappy? — Yes. There was a lot of illfeeling wasn't there? — Yes. And did you tell Bennet Mgxwalila about this? — I

think he was tlsre himself. Because he wasn't - however. The two of you can

fight that out between you. Did he tell you about it? — Anyway, we have spoken about that and with other Church Wardens.

And this all took place before the boycott started did it not? — " I am not very sure about that.

And before the Church was burnt - not so? — Yes. Because you see this is what Bennet has told the

Court. He says that the Rev. Hlaola told me of this trouble before the boycott started and before the school was burnt? — It was before the Church was burnt but I am not sure whether it was bef>re the boycott was started.

Actually he says it was a month before the school was burnt. You wouldn't disagree with that.... BY THE COURT t Did you have school classes in the Church? — Yes. BY MR. BERRANGE: So the net position is this, is that this trouble took place about a month before the Church, or the school, was burnt - whichever you want to call it - and ' before the boycott started? — I am not sure about the boycott.

Aren't you. Can't you remember whether this diss-ention was before the boycott started? — I really don't.

One thing arises from that reply of yours, of course, Rev. and that is this - if you don't remember whether this dissention was before the boycott started -that is correct is it not? — Yes.

You could not have attributed the burning - you

- 5900 -

yourself could not have attributed the burning of the school, or Church, to the boycott - rightly or wrongly? — I could not - sorry?

You could not have attributed - you yourself could not have attributed the burning of the school to the boycott? — Well, I don't know.

You don't know? — I didn't see anybody who burnt it. I don't know who burnt it and what for.

It may have been because of some evil members of your congregation trying to make things unpleasant because of this unhappy dissention? — The unhappiness was not at Yierplaas -it was at New Brighton.

We know that. BY THE COURT: I think it is a matter for argument. His opinion wouldn't help the Court. BY MR. BERRANGEj: Now, are you sure that this dissention had nothing to do with anything of a financial nature? — No,

You are sure it hadn't? — I am sure it hadn't. Did you tell Bennet Mgxwalila what it was about? —

Well, the people who organised this knew what it was about,..

$ou are not answering my question. Did you tell Bennet Mgxwalila what you thought was the cause of this dissention and this trouble? — I don't remember. It is so long ago, Sir.

Yes.

BY MR. BERRANGE; NO FURTHER QUESTIONS. BY MR. COAKER: NO QUESTIONS. BY MR. SLOVO; NO QUESTIONS. BY P.P. NO RE-EXAMINATION.

- 5900 -

yourself could not have attributed the burning of the school, or Church, to the boycott - rightly or wrongly? — I could not - sorry?

You could not have attributed - you yourself could not have attributed the burning of the school to the boycott? — Well, I don't know.

You don't know? — I didn't see anybody who burnt it. I don't know who burnt it and what for.

It may have been because of some evil members of your congregation trying to make things unpleasant because of this unhappy dissention? — The unhappiness was not at Vierplaas -it was at New Brighton,

We know that. BY THE COURT: I think it is a matter for argument. His opinion wouldn't help the Court. BY MR. BERRANGE,: Now, are you sure that this dissention had nothing to do with anything of a financial nature? — No,

You are sure it hadn't? — I am sure it hadn't. Did you tell Bermet Mgxwalila what it was about? —

Well, the people who organised this knew what it was about,,.

^ou are not answering my question. Did you tell Bennet Mgxwalila what you thought was the cause of this dissention and this trouble? — I don't remember. It is so long ago, Sir.

Yes.

BY MR. BERRANGE; NO FURTHER QUESTIONS. BY MR. COAKER: NO QUESTIONS. BY MR. SLOVO; NO QUESTIONS. BY P.P. NO RE-EXAMINATION.

- 5901 -

THE CROWN CALLS; GODFREY DLEPU, Sworn States: ,(Edward Memorial Congregational

Church).(Florence Kulati). EXAMINED BY MR. VAN NIEKERK;

Are you the Principal of the Kleinskool Bantu School? — Yes.

Where do you reside at the moment? — New Brighton,

Port Elizabeth. Give your full address? — 284, Gqamlama Street. Now, how many buildimgs do you use for the school?

One at the moment but there were two before. There were two? — Yes. What are the names of these two buildings? —

Congregational Church Building and the other one is the Methodist Church Building.

How far are these buildings apart? — About 200 yard s.

Who is the teacher at the Congregational Church? — Mr©. Kulati.

Do you know anything about the School Boycott? — No, I know nothing about the School Boycott.

Was your school affected by non-attendance by pupils? — Yes.

When was that? — I think it was May - but I am not sure.

May of what year? — 1955. .. What was the usual attendance at your school? —

133 children. Was there a drop? — Yes. To what number did this number drop? — To 33. Now, was Mrs. Florence Kulati in charge of the

school at the Congregational Church? — Yes. Now, how regularly did you visit this school where

Mrs. Kulati was teaching? — Once or twice a week.

- 5902 -

Can you recollect when you saw this building? — Yes.

Wllen was that? ~ 29th July, 1955. What did you find when you got there? — The

school.was in progress on that day. Yes - and then? — After school I went home. Yes? Was there a nything wrong with the Congregat-

ional Church then? — On what day? On that 29th when you saw it? — Nothing wrong

with it. And when did you see this place again? — I did

not see it again. Now, how often did you go to the Methodist Church?

— From Monday till Friday I used to be there. Did anything happen to this building where you

were teaching at the Methodist Church? — Yes. What happened to it? — On the 29th in the morn-

ing when I got to this building I saw a lot of petrol had been spilt on the floor of the building and a lot of match-sticks .

Was there any damage to this building? — No. Any damage to anything in the building? — No. And did anything happen to the Congregational

Church? — Yes, it got burnt.

Do you know when? — On the evening of the 29th of July,

Do you recollect what the attendance was -attendance of children more or less on the 29th July, 1955? — No, I do not. BY P.P. NO FURTHER QUESTIONS. BY MR. BERRANGE s NO QUESTIONS. BY MR. COAKER: NO QUESTIONS. BY MR. SLOVO: NO QUESTIONS.

- 5903 -

THE CROWN CALLS; JOYCE SIWISA. Sworn States: ^ylcrplaas)? S C h° 0 1 ** EXAMINED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR;

Do you reside at No. 57, Henderson Road, Vierplaas, Port Elizabeth? — Yes, that is where I used to live.

Where do you live now? — Near MgxwaM's yard. At Vierplaas? — Yes. In the District of Port Elizabeth? — Yes. And during 1956 were you a teacher at the Garrett Bantu

School at "Vierplaas? — Yes. Now this building was also used as a Church? — Yes, Now, is the Church being used as a school or the

school being used as a Church? — Used both as a school and a Church.

Yes, but is it a Church or a achool? — A Church. Now, can you recollect how many children you had -

what was the normal attendance of the children at your school? — No, Sir.

Now, during the beginning of 1956? — No, I do not. Do you remember a certain day when you came to this

Church - this school - did you find something unusual at the school? — Yes.

When was that? — I do not remember. Can you remember more or less what year it was? —

1956. Can you remember the month? — I do not. Do you remember what part of the year it was? — I

do not remember well because I had just recently got to this f

place. When did you get to that place? — July, 1955. What did you find on this day when you said there was

something unusual? — I saw two bottles in the building

- 5904 -

itself and these bottles contained petrol. Yes - what else? — In each bottle - a rag was

pushed into each bottle. Yes? — That was all - those things were on the

floor. Did you notice anything peculiar about the rags? —

About what? Was there anything unusual about the rag that was

in one of the bottles? — No, I do not know. Did anything happen in the Church? — A window

pane was broken and I take it that they broke that window pane when they put the bottles inside.

Inside the Church, was there any damage done? — No, I did not notice anything. BY P.P. NO FURTHER QUESTIONS. BY MR. BERRANGE; NO QUESTIONS; BY MR. COAKER; M NO QUESTIONS. BY MR. SLOVO; NO QUESTIONS.

THE CROWN CALLS; NORMAN MATOMELA, Sworn States; (Methodist Church in

Avenue "B").(Y.Mvusi EXAMINED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR; and Phillip Nungwe).

Are you the Principal of the New Brighton Upper United School? — Yes.

And do you reside at? — No. 252 Mendi Road, New Brighton.

Did you make use of the Methodist Church in Avenue B as one of your class-rooms? — Yes.

Now, do you - have you heard anything about the boycott of Bantu Education schools? — I did.

Do you know - was your school affected by the boycott? — No.

- 5905 -

Do you know the time when this boycott was in

vogue? — I think in May, 1955.

Do you know until when? — No, I don't know. Now, did anything happen to this Methodist Church at

Avenue B? — Yes. When was that? — 18th February, 1956. I take it you received a report and then you went to

this Church? — I did. What did you find when you got there? — I found that

two chairs had been burnt and a bench. What else? — And the floor about a square foot. What was the damage caused more or less? — Fire, What was the damage caused - what was the value of the

damage caused? — I do not know. Did you notice anything about the windows and the panes

— Yes, there was a broken pane. BY THE COURT; Before or after the fire? — After the fire. BY P.P. When had you been to this building prior to this 18th February, 1956? — On the previous Friday.

Was there anything wrong with the windows then? — No. BY MR. BERRANG-E; NO QUESTIONS. BY MR. COAKER; NO QUESTIONS. BY MR. SLOVO; NO QUESTIONS. BY THE COURT; Tell me, you say your school was not affected by

\

the boycott what do yo,u exactly mean by that? — Just a normal number of children absent.

- 5906 -

THE CROWN CALLS; CYRIL SEKWEBU, Sworn States; (Peddie Group).

EXAMINED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR; xSsa/Englis^' M & Z W a i "

What is your residential address at the moment-? — Newtondale, Peddie.

Now during 1955 were you the Principal of the Newtondale Bantu School at Peddie? — Yes.

Is this a Government School? — Yes. In the beginnig of 1955 what was the normal atten-

dance at this school? — More or less 111. Did you have any trouble at this school? — No. Did the children come to school regularly? — Yes. Was there an incident at this school later on during

the year? — Yes. When was that? — I do not remember but it was

before November. Before November what year? — 1955. What was this tro uble at the school - what did you

see? — I saw people - people came to close the school. How many? — I cannot give the number. More or less? — About 15. Did they have anything in their possession? —

They had sticks. What were they doing? — They were making a noise. What did they do? — They entered one of the class

rooms in which there was a lady teacher. I was not in the room in which these 'lady teachers' were. They did say something.

Yes, what did you do then? — They then went out of this room in which the lady teachers were and I also left the room in which I was and I went out to meet them.

i Yes, and what did they do? — They told me to give

- 5907 -

them the keys belonging to the school. Did you give them the keys? — No. And then what happened? — I then asked "What do you

want to do with them" - that is the keys. But what did you do....

BY THE COURT: You asked them what they wanted to do with the keys. What did they reply? — They told me to give them the keys and put no questions to tfem.

BY P.P. What happened then? — One of them then threatened me with a stick.

And then? — One stopped him - but he had not delivered any blows.

Yes, and then? — This very man who wanted to hit me with the stick then said that I should be killed

Yes? — I then ran off. Where did you go to? — I ran away from them and ran

round the school. What did they do at the school then? — They closed

the schoolrooms and tied them with pieces of wire. Before they closed the schoolrooms did they take any-

thing out of the schoolrooms? — Registers and records were taken out a^d placed outside; which were on the table.

What happened to the children in the school? — The children were ordered out and 1oLd to go home.

And did the children go? — They did. You say then they closed the school? — Yes. How did they do that? — They first ordered the

children out of the school . BY THE COURT: How did they tie up the schoolrooms? — They tied the staples of the doors with wire BY P.P. Did they then leave? — Yes.

Y/here did they go to - in what direction? — They

- 5908 -

"then went to Mxagiki's school. Now, do you know tfese people - or do you know some

of the people - who came to your school that day? — Yes.

Can you give us the names of some? — Potyo Simani. BY THE C OURT; Is this the name of one person? — Yes. BY P.P. Anybody else? — Fanele Mpu. I forget them. This happened long ago. BY P.P. NO FURTHER QUESTIONS. BY MR. BERRANGE: NO QUESTIONS. BY MR. COAKBfR: NO QUESTIONS. BY MR. SLOVO: NO QUESTIONS.

THE CROWN CALLS; CORNELIUS MADLINGOZI, Sworn States: Interpreter: E. Mazwai -

Xosa/English. EXAMINED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR:

Where do you reside at the moment? — Kingwilliamstown. What is your address? — Regional Headquarters, Bantu

Education. And during January, 1955, did you assume duty as

Principal of Lujiko School in Jaji Location, Peddie District? That is correct.

Do you know whether or not there was a boycott of the Bantu Education Act schools at the time? — At what time?

January, 1955? — Yes. And what was the normal attendance at your school

before the boycott started? — One hundred. And did the boycott affect the attendance at your

school? — Yes. From when did you notice this decrease? — 20th

September, 1955. Now round about that time, did anything happen at your

achool? — Yes.

- 5909 -

BY THE COURT: You say there was a decrease in the attendance at your school? — Yes. BY P.P. To what extent was this decrease? — There was only an attendance of 25 children.

Now, round about that time did anything happen at your school? — Yes.

When was tht? — 20th September, 1955. What happened? — A group of men came Yes - did they have anything in their hands when they

came? — Yes, sticks. What did they do? — They entered the school yard;

they ordered the children to leave. Did the children leave? — Yes, the children left for

a while but when I rang the bell they came back. And these people, what happened to them? — After

the children had come back, these people first spoke to the children. They told them that they did not want to see them -i. e. the children - at school. They then demanded the keys from me. When they demanded the keys I told them I could not hand the keys over to them until I had called the man who had given the keys to me when I got there first.

Yes? — I called this man and this man suggested that they should be given the keys.

Did you then hand over the keys? — One of the group then said "We have alrady taken the keys."

Then what happened? — They then told us as teachers to leave because they wanted to lock and that we should not come back again. They told us teachers they wanted to lock up the place.

Yes? — And they told the children the same thing. Prom there I went to the nearest telephone.

Do you know any of these people who were there? — Yes.

- 5910 -

Who do you know? — Mpopose Woji. Anybody else? — Poyo Simani. That is all. Now after that occurred did you go to school again?

— Yes, after I had been given certain instructions by the Magistrate.

You went back to the school? — I went back to the school.

Did any children attend the school? — Yes. How many? — Three. And what happened to your school after that? — The

school was closed by the Board and I was transferred to another school. BY P.P. NO FURTHER QUESTIONS. BY MR. COAKER: NO CROSS-EXAMINATION. BY MR. SEDVO: NO QUESTIONS.

COURT ADJOURNS. COURT RESUMES: APPEARANCES AS BEFORE: Application by Mr. Coaker for Accused No, 19 to attend hospital again tomorrow for further treatment and for pro-ceedings to continue in his absence. Certificate relating to Accused No. 130 handed in. APPLICATION GRANTED BY THE COURT.

THE CROWN CALLS: /T 4. 4. „ „ — ( I n t e r p r e t e r : E. Mazwai -PAULUS MAGINI, Sworn States: Xosa/English).

EXAMINED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR: Are you the Principal of the Qeto School, Qeto Bantu

School, Musutu's Location, Peddie District? — Yes. Do you reside in Musutu's Location in Peddie? —

I do. During 1955 were you the Principal of the Qeto Bantu

School? — I was. Do you remember the morning of the 15th September,

1955? -- I do.

- 5911 -

Were you going to school from your house that morning — Yes.

And did you walk alone? — No, with the school children. I met the school children along the way.

And did they walk with you? — Yes. What happened when you approached the school? — As

I neared the school I noticed a group of men chasing away the children from the school grounds.

Did these men have anything in their hands? — They had sticks and switches and aloes.

They had sticks and switches and? — And sjamboks. Did they do anything with these sticks? — No, they

did not. What did you do when these children were chased away?

I did not do anything with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd groups After the children had been chased away I went up to the school and remained at the school with the lady teacher. After that I went and reported this to the Secretary of the School Board.

You spoke about one or two or three groups of children - you refer to the 1st group - the first group was chased away you said - what happened to the second group? — All the groups were chased away and as a result of that I remained alone.

How were they chased away? — Whenever the children would see me around the school they would corns along and a man would then appear and chase them away.

How were they chased? — As I would see the children approaching the school I would go up to them to meet them and then this man would appear and tell them to leave and go away.

And did the children go away? — Yes.

- 5912 -

Did you recognise any of the men in the group? — Yes,

Whom did you recognise? — Mbangi Ntonga. Anybody else? — Finso Sonqotloshe. Anybody else? — Bonisele Ntezo. Anybody else? — I can't remember now. Do you know where these people live? — Yes. Where? — Musutu's Location. Is that in the District of Peddie? — Yes. Now at that time - or just prior to this incident -

what was the attendance of children at your school? — Between 40 and 50.

And after this incident did the attendance remain the same? — It decreased.

To what extent did it decrease? — Between 20 and 29, Now some days after that, did you attend a meeting

at the Headman Ndhlovu Musutu's kraal? — I did not go there on my own. I was called.

Yes, but did you go there? — Yes. Now how many people were together there when you

arrived there? — I did not count but they were many. Can you tell the Court whether or not you saw any

of the men who had chased away the children at that meeting?

I am not sure. Now, can you remember what date it was that you

attended this gathering at the Headman's kraal? — It was a Monday.

Was it before or after the children wre chased away from the school? — After.

How long afterwards9 — BY THE COURT; Did you say it was some days later? — No, I haven't said that. I am still trying to think out how many days it was. I think it was after three days.

- 5913 -

BY P.P. After three days. Nov/, did anything happen that night at your house

after the meeting? — Yes, What? — I have two houses and one was "burnt.

BY THE COURT: Which one - do you live in one of the houses? — I was sleeping in one room and the other room I used as the kitchen.

You don't mean two houses - you mean two rooms? — Rondavels.

Which one was burnt? — The kitchen. BY P.P. Now, did you open the school again after - the day after - you had that meeting at the Headman's kraal? — No, I did not. I went and reported the matter to the Board. I was then taken away to another school.

Can you recollect when the schools closed for the school holidays? — One thing I remember was that it was a Friday but what the date was I do not recollect.

Can you recollect what month it was? — September. Can you remember when the schools re-opened? — It

was on a Tuesday. Do you remember the date? — No.

Do you remember the month? — October. And the year? — 1955. Now, did anything happen after the schools were re-

opened? — Yes.

BY THE COURT: Where were you then? At the same school or where? — When the schools re-opened I came back to the school at which I was originally. BY P.P. You said something happened. What did happen? — On a certain day when I got to the school one of the class rooms was burnt.

How long was that after the school had re-opened? —

- 5914 -

— After two days. BY THE COURT: Did you have any attendance at the school? — After the two days?

After the school re-opened? — Yes. What was the attendance? — I do not remember but my

attendance was still low. BY P.P. NO FURTHER QUESTIONS. BY MR. COAKER: NO CROSS-EXAMINATION. BY MR. SLOVO: NO QUESTIONS.

THE CROWN CALLS; (EVATON BUS BOYCOTT). CAPTAIN LOUIS JAN EUGENE STRICK, Sworn States: EXAMINED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR:

I am a Captain in the South African Police at present stationed at Yereeniging as Staff Officer to the District Commandant. On the 1st January, 1955, I was appoin ted the Area Officer in command of the v.d.Byl Park area which included the Evaton Location. I remained in command of this Area until the 31st March, 1956, when the v.d. Byl Park Police Area was abolished and included under the direct Command of the District Commandant at Vereeniging. I, how-ever, remained on at v.d. Byl Park as a Detached Officer and one of the duties that was assigned to me was still to keep observation on the Evaton Location. On the 1st January 1957, I was transferred from v.d. Byl Park to Vereeniging as Staff Officer to the District Commandant and it is still my duty to keep observation at Evaton.

Now, in the course of your duties, have you visited the Evaton Area quite frequently since the 1st January, 1955 — Yes, since I took command in January, 1955, I very often visited Evaton Location.

When you took over command of the Evaton Area,could you say what the estimated population was of that Area? —

- 5915 -

— When I assumed command - at that time the estimated Native population of Evaton was between 50,000 and 60,000.

What were the conditions in that area, the Evaton Area? — At that time things were very quiet in the location. The population appeared to be satisfied happy and contented. They were quiet. There were no faction fights. There was no strife amongst the people and I also found that for a location of that size the Native population was very friendly disposed towards the Police. I found that in driving through the location at that time many of the Natives greeted me in a friendly manner . They used to say "Dag, my baas; Dag my koning; Dag my 'kroon'" and that is the usual way in which Natives who are well disposed to the Police greet a Policeman. That was when I took over command.

Now as the result of certain information which you had received....? — As the result of certain information which I received, I proceeded to the Evaton Location at about 12 midnight on the 24th July, 1955. I patrolled the Location - at that time the inhabitants were asleep - and everything was quiet in the Location. The next morning

v at about 4 a.m. I noticed that quite a number of Natives were walking in the direction of the railway station. I passed these Natives«, Mone of them greeted me that morning. As I passed them most of them just walked on quietly towards the railway station; others here and there shouted "asikwela" It means "Do not ride in the buses" or something to that effect.

Now did you at that stage, during that day, did you see any buses driving through the streets? — Yes, after the Natives started walking in the direction of the railway station I saw some of the buses of the E.P.S. driving on the normal route through the location.

What does E.P.S. stand for? — Evaton People's Transport - or something like that.

- 5916 -

Yes? — Most of those buses were empty. In a few there were a few passengers. That was the first morning I noticed there were very few people in the buses and some of them were empty.

What were the conditions in the Evaton Location itself? — Well, as I say, that morning - it was fairly quiet that morning. I patrolled through the Location and at

• one particular place - I think it was a bus stop - I saw two Natives standing. A bus stopped; they didn't get into the bus and it continued on its way. I patrolled further and at another stop I saw another Native standing. A bus came but he didn't get into the bus and the bus then went on its way. I then spoke to that Native. By about 8 o'clock that morning everything appeared to be very quiet in the Location and then I decided to return to v.d. Byl Park. As I was driving through the Location I noticed more and more men -including women and children - whenever I came shouted "Asikwela". Well, I couldn't understand why they should shout "Asikwela" whenever they see me. Now, at about mid-day that same day as the result of certain information which I received I returned to Evaton and on the Golden Highway - the Golden Highway runs past the Evaton Location -I saw some Natives gather there - I think approximately 80 or so - men, women and children. They were singing and they were shouting "Asikwela". I had a few European Police-men as well as Native Policemen with me and I and my men then took up a position opposite these people on the other side of the tarred road. As the singing and shouting con-tinued, these Natives who were gathered there they sometimes came onto the tarred road. I requested them to get off the road which they did. I noticed that as these shouts of "Asikwela" continued that - especially the women folk who were present there - became excited and the shouting contin-ued. There were motor cars passing on this Golden Highway

kaflj-JUtill : i +Jir ->" :' ••

- 5917 -

and when the drivers saw these Natives and the Police gathered there they slowed down and I could see from the expression on the faces of the drivers and the people in the cars that they were not at ease. I would say they were feeling uneasy or frightened and I went and asked that they continue on their way. At that time I saw a bus coming

- an E.P.S. bus - coming from the direction of Johannesburg and as that bus approached that spot some of these Natives - including women - went onto the road and endeavoured, it appeared to me, to stop the bus. The driver merely slowed down and drove on but he narrowly missed a few of these Natives who were on the road and I then ordered these people, after the bus had passed, to get off the tarred road. They did so, I asked whether they had a leader and a young Native came forwardc He claimed to be the leader of those people. I spoke to him and requested him to order his people, or ask his people or request them to go home. He called them a little bit aside off the road; he spoke to them and then they slowly began to disperse. There were a few shouts of protest but these people then left. As they were dispersing, this crowd, I saw there were about 6 or 8 Native women. They were also walking down the tarred road; they were singing and every now and then they would stop

and bend forward with their backsides in my direction and extended backwards, upwards, and they shouted and they lifted up their dresses and they shouted something that sounded to me "he-he-he-he". That, Your Worship, is a Native custom. It is part of the war dance that is per-formed by Native women when they want to excite their men on to a fight. I watched these women for some time. They continued on their way; they turned into a side street; the other Natives who were gathered there didn't seem to take

- 5918 -

any particular notice of them. They then eventually -these women - dispersed. I continued to partol the Location for some time still and everything was quiet and I then returned.

Now, during your patrol in Evaton, in the Township, did you come across any bulletins that were distributed? — Yes. Shortly after this incident - a few days later - I came into possession of this bulletin.

BY THE COURT: Where did you get it? — I was in the Location there was a Native who handed out these bulletins and he handed me this one and I took it.

EXHIBIT "G. 885". Yes? — "Evaton Boycott Bulletin No. 2. Progress of the Boycott. The boycott is on. You all know by now that the boycott started on Monday morning. Most workers are using the trains. Some are staying in town while others use their own private transport to town. During the day people from Iscor, v.d. Byl Park and Vereen-iging still use the buses. Some other people get on the buses in town but are occasionally stopped by our pickets. It means therefore that as long as we do not have an organ-ised picket force the buses will still carry people. Why must certain people use the buses when we are fighting ^pinst them. We appeal to all men and women to stand at all bus stops at home and ask people standing at the stops not to go into the buses. Please do not force people out of the buses. We ask everybody to picket on Satuday and Sunday. Others must picket at the rank in town. Beware: (1) The bus company has engaged armed police to travel in the buses and force people into them. (2) Drivers, Conductors, people and crowds also move up and down in the buses in order to give the people the impression that the buses are being used. The bus company and its staff have declared war on us. The driver of No. 7 chased women with his bus on Monday. The

- 5919 -

Supervisor of buses knocked women down with his jeep. Kliptown drivers are also beating up the pickets. Pickets arrested - 6 pickets with Mr. D. Lempi were arrested on Tuesday afternoon charged with "disturbance" when they were picketing; four women and two men. They were released after the Committee had paid their fine of £6. 0. 0. The boycott continues even more strongly every day. By next week we expect nobody to use the buses. All workers must buy railway monthly tickets this weekend for £2.18.6, You can use them on Sundays too. We ask everybody to assist the Committee with funds. There will be a mass meeting on Sunday the 31st July at 9 a.m. at Jada's Corner. Come and hear the latest. The enemy is on the run. Press them har-der. We shall win. Asikwela".

After you saw that, what did you do? — After I saw this bulletin I realised that there would be violence in Evaton, and I immediately ordered an increased Police patrol.

Since that time what was the general condition in Evaton? — I noticed, as the boycott continued, that there was an increase of crimes of violence reported to the Police. Now, this increase in crime is the more remarkable because it happened in spite of increased Police surveillance. Normally, whenever you increase Police surveillance in an area there is a decrease of crime but in this instance there wr,9 a :-~"np-v"'ble increase. I would like to give the following figures of cases of violence reported to the Police. It shows - I am now quoting the figures for a period from the 1st of February, 1955 to the 24th July, 1955. That is a period before the boycott. Then I will give the figures for the period from the 25th July, 1955 -the day on which the boycott started - to the 31st October, 1956 - that the date the boycott more or less ended - and I

- 5920 -

also give it for the period from the 1st November 1956 up to the 30th April, 1957.

Before you give that Captain, these periods that you are quoting there, are they more or less the same? — You will find that the figures for the period before the boycott - the period I mean - the period before the boycott and the period the boycott lasted are more or less the same. The period after the boycott is a little bit shorter.

Now what is the period before the boycott? — The period before the boycott is from the 1st February, 1954 to the 24th July, 1955.

That would be a period of more or less ? — More or less a year and 5 months.

And the period of the boycott? — The period of the boycott is from the 25th July, 1955 to the 31st October, 1956 - which is more or less 1 year and 3 months. And the other period is more or less 6 months - after the boycott.

Yes:? — BOYCOTT

DURING BOYCOTT.

Possession of firearms

AFTER BOYCOTT.

7

Public Violence. (These were cases reported to the Police for in-vestigation. I haven't got the figures of how many of these cases went to Court. These are cases which were reported to the Police).

8

(Conditions not yet quite nor-mal) .

Assault - Common 153 257 74 Assault with intent.. 176 243 76 Culpable homicide 1 1 -

Murder 19 43 10 Attempted murder - 22 3 Possession of dangerous weapons 89 182 59

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BEFORE DURING AFTER BOYCOTT, BOYCOTT. BOYCOTT

Robbery, 37 90 21 Theft 46 79 24 Extortion - 1 Arson - 7 1 Malicious damage to property. 24 61 17

TOTALS 547 997 292 This shows, as I said, that there was an increase in the number of crimes reported during that period.

On the 7th August, 1955, did you again proceed to the Evaton Location? — Yes, about 8 o'clock on the evening of the 7th August, 1955, as the result of certain information I received I then proceeded to the Evaton Location and on my arrival there - on the tarred road in the Location - I found an E.P.S. bus which was burning at the time. On the ground roundabout the bus there was a large number of stones lying about of various sizes and I patrolled the location and every-thing was quiet.

Now- ^ + i me that you visited the Evaton Locati™ -23, I think, round about the 11th September? — Yes, on the 11th September, 1955. I visited it at about 11 -11.30. as the result of certain information that I received. BY THE COURT; At night - or when? — In the morning - a.m. I proceeded to the Evaton Location. I passed a piece of ground that is known as Jada's Square - at the corner - and I saw there were a number of Natives gathered there. I passed that place and proceded along a side street - it is not very far from this Jada's Corner - and in a yard I met approxi-mately 200 Basutos who were carrying blankets and they were armed with light sticks and they were under the command of a Native by the name of Relekeke.

- 5922 -

Did you order them to disperse? — I ordered Relekeke and his men to disperse.

Did they do so? — They did so immediately. They left in small groups of two or three. They returned to Evaton Small Farms which are on the opposite side where Relekeke and his followers live.

Now, at that time what was the general condition in the Township? — Well, at that time it was noticeable that people - there was a spirit of unrest in the Location. People were not at rest. Their peace had been disturbed and you could also feel at that time that the feeling of the people towards the Police no longer was so friendly. People became suspicious; people were afraid to talk even to the Police and at that time rumours began to start. There were rumours and there were counter-rumours.

As a result of these rumours what did you do? — Well, as the result of these rumours - whenever there was a rumour - there were often rumours that there would be vio-lence - I always took necessary Police precautions. I always investigated these rumours but I could never dis-cover who was responsible for these rumours but every time I took necessary Police precautions nothing happened. BY THE 0 OURT; Were there only rumours of violence - no ac+ual violence? — Except that people reported to the Police assaults and robberies and it was reported at the Police Station that stones had been thrown at buses and things like that but, I mean, sometimes there were very strong rumours that they were going to be violence but every "time I took precuations nothing happened. There were no actual riots.

BY P.P. I think the next time you visited the Evaton Location was on the 24-th October, 1955? — Yes, as a

- 5923 -

result of certain information which I received I proceeded to the Evaton Location at about 4 p.m. on the 24th October, 1955. At the Evaton Small Farms alongside the tarred road I met Relekeka and about 200 Basutos. These people were very excited and I noticed that some of them were not just carrying ordinary sticks as the Basutos usually carry; some of them had dangerous weapons in their possession and I ordered them to surrender those weapons to me. They came and they laid down their weapons. I took possession of a number of them - about 50 iron kieries; about 5 assegais and 6 or 8 knobkieries and there was also a stable fork and an axe and 2 pangas which they surrendered. I had these weapons loaded onto a lorry and removed to the Poliee Stat-ion. I had them locked up. Across this spruit on the other side I saw about - I estimate - about 300 to 400 Natives standing there and I then proceeded in their direction. As I came nearer I hearc some of them shouting "Asikwela" and as I approaohed they dispersed and started running in all directions and they disappeared amongst the houses and I couldn't speak to any of them.

Had there been a clash between the sections? — Before my arrival there was a clash between the two sections and in this clash two Natives were killed and after these Natives on the other side of the spruit ran away I returned to the Basutos. I then visited the house of Relekeke and I found that the house had been damaged. The frames in front of the windows had been smashed and there were also some stones lying about the house.

The next time, I think, you visited Evaton was on the 22nd of December, 1955? — Yes, at about 7.30 a,m, on the 22nd December, 1955, as the result of certain informat-ion which I received, I proceeded to the Evaton Location and there in a house, in a room, I ftund three dead bodies

- 5924 -

which were identified to me as that of a Native "by the name of Ghugalane and two of his "body guards. These bodies were badly mutilated, especially the one of Ghugalane, I saw that the doors and windows of this house were broken. A great number of stones were lying about and in the room there were a number of marks which appeared to have been made by bullets and in the walls also there were still some bullets - embedded in the walls.

And these people, how did they receive their injuries - could you see? — I did not actually examine the bodies because I left them for the photographers but Ghugalane had a big gash in his head and there were also other wounds which appeared on the other bodies too - which could have been caused by bullet wounds or by sharp instru-ments but, as I say, I did not actually examine the bodies or touch them because 1 left it for the Police photo-graphers to photograph these bodies. Now after that inci-dent Evaton really became a village of fear. People in Evaton were afraid-and at that time too rumours increased -and at that time too people were afraid to speak to the Police. We heard rumours but we could never trace the origin of these rumours, but undoubtedly Evaton became a village of great fear,

Now, I believe that a certain Evangelist there by t]ie name of Molife conducted Church Services at Evaton? — It was during May, 1956, the latter part of May. It was advertised in Evaton that a certain Evangelist - he belonged to the Assembli es of God — the Rev. Molife — I think he was staying at the Sharpeville Location, Vereeniging - that he was coming to Evaton to conduct religious services, a revival campaign. As a result of certain information that I received I proceeded to Evaton Location on the 4th June, 1956, and

- 5925 -

there on a vacant piece of ground I found a temporary structure that was erected. I inspected this structure and on the side - the side on which the Rostrum was - there were recent signs that efforts had been made to set that structure alight. On the side there were also a few bullet marks a or marks which appeared to be made by bullets - and on the ground on the outside was also an empty cartride case and a bullet.

Do you know whether the structure remained there after that? — No, that structure was then removed and to my knowledge no further services were conducted by the Rev. Molife.

Now, I think the next time you went to Evaton was on the 24th June, 1956? — At 11 p.m. on the 24th June, 1956, as the result of eertain informtion which I receive^, I visited the Evaton Location, On my arrival there I found that several houses had been damaged and in one or two instances furniture was carried out of these houses and the furniture was broken up outside, I also saw a few watch dogs had been killed. At that time there was a great feel-ing of unrest in Evaton and I immediately requisitioned for strong Police reinforcements and I had the Location patrol-led for 24 hours of the day. On the 25th - that was the next day - there was still a great feeling of unrest in the Location. That afternoon at about 2 p.m. or just after, I noticed a great number of mostly Native women and children-they vere walking out of the Location and near the Evaton Small Farms many of them got into buses which were running in the direction of Yereeniging. I also noticed that quite a number of these people were walking near the Police Stat-ion and they got onto buses running from Evaton; they got onto buses running in the direction of Meyerton. I spoke

- 5926 -

to some of these people.... What did you observe? — I observed that these

people were in great fear. And what were these people doing who were getting

onto the buses? — They were getting out of the Location. What happened towards evening? — Towards evening

a crowd of these women - mostly women and children -carrying their few possessions came to the Police Station and they were clamouring for Police protection. There were hundreds of them. I allowed these people in to the back-yard of the Police Station. We couldn't take than all and a few hundred of them went on an open space in front of the Police Station. Most of them had no blankets with them; some of them carried a few possessions; it was a bitterly cold night and it was a pity to see those people; those people were in great fear and I arranged for fires to be made for them to afford them some protection in the cold. I obtained wood and coal and I had fires made. These people spent the night there. The next morning....

Did this happen only one night? — No, this happened for a few nights. They spent the night there and the next morning, round about 7 or 8 o'clock they returned. Now whilst these Native women and children spent the night at those places, I patrolled the Location and in the Location I found groups of various sizes -some groups were of 50 or less and some groups were even more than 50 - they were walking the streets in Evaton. They did not sleep in their hohses but they walked about the streets in Evaton Location practically the whole night.

Now, I believe that during the night the 25th-26th of June, you went to visit the house of Bishop Sims? — Yes, as the result of certain information that I received,

- 5927 -

I proceeded to the house of a Native whom I knew by the name of Bishop Sims and there I saw a broken window pane. Now Bishop Sims when I visited him that night was in great fear as in one of the bulletins that was issued and came into my possession, Bishop Sims was described as an unpopu-lar user of the buses who had lodged a complaint against three of the leaders of the people ....

Where did you get that bulletin? — This was also handed to me in the location.

Will you please read it - EXHIBIT N0# "G 886". "The Evaton People's Transport Council. Bulletin No. 8. Memor-ial Service to all the victims of the train-bus accident " It is a roneod form and it is not very clear, I will just try and read as I can, "On the 12th March, 1955; "Will be held on Sunday March " - it appears like the 18th - "18th March. This service will be (a)" - then it is indistinct -"service and we ask everybody to give the occasion the dignity and respect that it deserves. How the tragedy happened. An E.P.S. bus with a load of African passengers collided with a goods train in the forenoon of March 12th, 1955, at the level crossing between Stratford and Grasmere across the main Johannesburg - v.d. Byl Park Road and as a result 10 people died and 24 were seriusly injured - that was the tragedy. What is our duty. Sons and Daughters of Africa everybody must pay tribute to them this coming Sunday. In sorrow we remember those dear sons and daughters of Africa today. To the deceased ones we say "let them rest in peace and remember us to the Gods ". To the injured victims we say "Let them live a long and happy life" "They have been spared to fulfil certain duties in the world. We can remember those we love Sons and Daughters of Africa by all attending the memorial service on Sunday. We stress

- 5928 -

this again. The Evaton People's transport ^ouncil hopes that one day with your co-operation a monument will be built at the gravesides of all the deceased in order to perpetuate their names. We invite everybody from Evaton and" - it looks like "outside to attend this memorial. Boycott News! Asikwela, Gaol sentence for a picket. Mr« Manyana Mbasa one of our bravest pickets was found guilty by the Evaton Magistrate on the 13th March for alleged robbery of a Coloured woman. He was sentenced to 6 months compulsory imprisonment and hard labour and 5 strokes. An appeal has been noted. You unpopular bus users since Mbabin.de lodged complaints against three leaders Messrs. Molife, Hlapo and Senka; the Native Commissioner aocepted that complaint and warned the people's leaders." On the back it is in Native language which I don't understand.

How long is that - is that all? — Yes, the English portion.

Do you know what - whether anything happened to this man Sims? — I was concerned about Bishop Sims and I ordered the Police patrol to pay special attention to the

that night house of Bishop Sims. This man Mbabinde was murdered/and shortly afterwards.Bishop Sims was murdered.

Did you again visit Evaton on the 28th July, 1956? — As a result of certain information which I received I proceeded to Evaton Location at about 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon the 28th July, 1956. After I had patrolled the location and spoken to a few inhabitants I decided to remain at the Location.

For the night? — For the night. And did you remain there? — I remained there

during the night and everything passed quietly. The next morning I was still at Evaton. I patrolled the Location and during the morning - the forenoon - everything was quiet

- 5929 -

Round about midday I saw some Native women gathering on Jada's Square. I also saw that there were pots and that fires were being made. I also saw some of them peeling

/

potatoes and later that afternoon when I passed this Square I saw that there were a number of Natives gathered; there was a band - light music...

That afternoon did you go to Evaton Small Farms again? — Yes, towards sunset, as a result of certain information which I received I proceeded to the Evaton Small ^arms. As I was travelling along the tarred road I noticed many Basutos running on the side of the tar road. They were running in the same direction as I was travelling. I spoke to some of them but they didn't answer me and I then saw that these Basutos were converging on a point further along this road There I noticed some of them -they were excited, the Basutos - they had sticks with them and I ordered them to remain where they were and not to cross the tarred road. I then turned off the tarred road and proceeded towards the vlei between the two Locations. As I approached the vlei I heard a great number of revolver shots. They were fired so rapidly that at one time they

sounded almost like a machine gun. I then stopped my car; I got out and I looked but in the failing light I couldn't s ee any persons neither could I detect the direction in which the bullets were flying and I couldn't exactly estab-1 ish the spot from where the firing took place. When I got out of my car the firing more or less stopped. I looked around for a while and then on my righthand side I heard a few more revolver shots. Judging from the sound of the reports I would say that these shots were closer to me than the others, but I couldn't see any persons. I watched for a while and listened and I heard the shouts of Asikwela and I then decided to return as I was expecting

- 5930 -

trouble and I returned to the Police Station in the same way as I came. When I came on the tarred road again I found that the numbers of Basutos had grown considerably. When I passed them the first time I also heard whistle sounds - they used to blow whistles when they wanted to rally people. When I returned I found that the numbers had grown considerably. They were very excited. At that time some of them came onto the tarred road and I was forced to travel very slowly. Every now and then these Basutos were closely in front of my motor car. They had raised kieries in their hands. Some had stones in their hands. I could see they were in a threatening attitude. I shouted to them that I was the Police. They looked and when they saw my uniform they opened up the way and shout-ed to the others "The Police" they opened and so they allowed me through. When I arrived at the Police Station I met a certain Indian man Asmal. He showed me his motor car which was damaged on the right side of the car. There were several marks on it.

What was the result of the disturbances that night in Evaton? BY THE COURT: Do you know this person Asmal? — That was the person...

Do you know him? — I have seen him since again. Do you know whether he is one of the Accused? —

He told me that he was the brother... Do you know whether he is one of the Accused? —

No, I don't know whether he is one of the Accused. Have a look at No, 2 Accused - can you say whether

he is the same person or not? — No, he is not, BY P.P. I asked you what was the result of the riots that

- 5931 -

evening? — That evening riots broke out - quite a few houses were burnt and I think about 7 people were murdered -killed, and 6 or 8 houses - I am not quite sure - were burnt.

Now on the 30th July, 1956, were you then patrolling through Small Farms Location? — Yes, on the morning of the 30th, I patrolled the Small Farms and on the side of the road, the tarred road, I found a group of Basutos. These people were excited;at that time the feeling in the Evaton Location was running very high. I spoke to these people. I ordered them not to cross the tarred road and I suggested to them that they should rather go to their houses. I looked across the vlei and on the other side I also saw a group of ^atives. I then proceeded to them - on the Evaton Location No. 1 side. I proceeded and I spoke to them and I suggested to them that it was better for them rather to disperse and go to their homes.

Did these people go away immediately? — Well, slowly but they went. I then went into No. 1 Location and in the Location I saw a great number of Natives who were gathered there at the side of the street - some of them on the street and I met Lt. Ool. Ferreira of the S.A. Police there and I saw Molifi, I believe he is the Secretary of the Boycott Movement or something like that... BY THE COURT: Why do you say "or something like that"? — I don't know actually - either the Boycott Comitee or..

Boycott Committee or Movement you mean? — The Secretary of the Committee of the Boycott Movement. BY P.P. This man Molife, do you know him? — Yes.

Can you identify him? — Yes. Will you please do so - do you know if he is one

of the Accused? — Yes. (Witness indicates Accused No, 43 - J. Molife). I then spoke to Accused No. 43 and I

- 5932 -

introduced him to It. Col. Perreira. In my presence It. Col. Perreira spoke to him and Accused No. 43 expressed his willing-ness. . .. BY THE COURT: What did the Colonel say to him? — The Colonel spoke to him about ...

Did he make a request of him? — Yes, he asked him whether he was willing to meet Ralekeke the leader of the Basutos with a view that they should come to terms and make peace. While the Colonel

What was Molife's reaction to that? — Molife eventually agreed. He expressed his willingness to meet this man Relekeke at a conference. But while the Colonel was speak-ing to him a young Native there - who appeared to be a little bit agitated - spoke to Molife. He was a bit annoyed and remonstrated with him because he spoke to the Policemen without the permission of the Committee. Lt. Col. Perreira warned this Native not -to interfere and he then left and ^ter he left Molife said he was willing to meet this man Relekeke and that evening I saw Molife and Relekeke - both of them - arrive at the Police Station. They went into a room. I was not present at that meeting but after they came out it was announced that they had made peace and for all practical purposes the boycott was over.

Did you in the course of your travels through the Evaton Location...

BY THE C OURT; I didn't quite understand. How did you conclude that for all practical purposes the boycott was at an end because the two men had made peace - I don't quite see the c onnection there? — These two men came together and....

Who was in favour of the boycott and who was against it — Molife, the Accused No. 43, he was definitely in favour of the boycott. Relekeke was a man who did not support the boy-cott, He and his followers were not boycotters.but..,.,*

- 5933 -

How did you come to conclude that their making peace - that the boycott would end? — The thing was like this - that after they made peace then everything in Evaton would be quiet...

That is what happened after? — Yes, everything in Evaton became quiet. As I say, more or less the boycott move-ment and things were over.

Did people start using the buses then or not? — On the 1st August - that would be two days after - I went on three months leave and when I returned - later - just shortly after this - at about this time the bus company also announ-ced that they were bringing down their fares to the normal fares before the boycott.

I think you might just answer the one question and that is whether the people started using the buses again? — I went away on 3 months leave so I was away - I didn't see the buses..

No, before you went away on leave? — No, I didn't see anyone using the buses on the 31st. On the 31st July I was still in Evaton and I left on the 1st August. But in the Location when thispeace was made the people themselves in Evaton - some of them - said "Now that is the end of the boycott".

Was that the general feeling as a result of this meeting...? — Of this peawe having been made.

That the boycott was ended? — Yes. When I returned after three months I noticed

I hope I am not taking you out of your stride? BY P.P. No, Sir. BY MR. BERRANGE; I think perhaps it might also be made clearer if the witness could now be allowed to continue with something he was on the point of saying. I think he said that Relekeke was definitely not in favour of the boycott - I think he was then on the point of describing

- 5934 -

something about his followers, the Basutos. He was going to say-something about them.

BY THE COURT: What were you going to say? — I said that they met and after that meeting it was announced that the boycott movement for practical purposes, as far as the Police are con-cerned - our supervision and things like that BY MR. BERRANGE: I thought the witness v/as going to indicate what part the Basutos played in the boycott and what their interest in it was. I thought that was what the witness was on the point of saying. BY WITNESS: No, I was just going to say that the next day, the afternoon, I left Evaton and as I drove out there were no more shouts of "Asikwela". I didn't hear a single shout of "Asikwela"

COURT ADJOURNED TO 2 3rd JULY, 1957.

- 5-935 -

25rd JULY, 1957. COURT RESUMES; BY MR. COAKER; Your Worship, the position with regard to persons who are sick is the same as yesterday save that Accused No. 22 is back in Court. Accused No. 19 is excused today for the purposes of attending hospital. Accused No. 42 - P. Molaoa - is apparently absent from Court for what reason I donTt know. I have just learn, Sir, that it is probable that he has taken his wife to hospital - or been to see his wife in hospital -something to that effect. I ask for this matter to stand over until we have some further information about it. I apply for the proceedings to continue in the absence of these persons,

BY P.P. NO OBJECTIONS. MR.Coaker hands in medical certificate relating to Accused No,22.

THE CROWN CALLS; LOUIS JAN EUGENE STRICK, Sworn States: (Continued). EXAMINED BY MR. VAN NIEKERK: Captain, yesterday you read two of the bulletins that you received at Evaton. Now, did you receive any more in the course of your travels through the location? — Yes, I did. EXHIBIT "G. 887 - Bulletin No. 1.

i

BY THE COURT: You received that from whom? — I was in the Location and a Native handed them out and he handed me this one. It is "The Evaton Boycott Bulletin No, 1. We have been unfairly challenged. As you know the Eaton Passenger Service has decided to overcharge us from Monday the 25th July. Remember for months now we have been fighting the fares incfease and the Local Transportation Board and the National Transportation Commission. We unfortunately lost. What are we going to do now? (1) We are going to use the poor man's weapons. (2) We are going to fight in our own battlefields. (3) We are going to boycott the buses as from Monday. (4) We are not going to com-promise. Why must we boycott? Because (a) We cannot afford the higher fares, (b) We have no wage increases in our jobs, (c) The buses are cold and not rain proof and also (d) The

- 5936 -

service is mostly "bad and unsatisfactory. There is no timetable. How must we boycott? Do not buy weekly tickets this weekend and come to a mass meeting on Snnday the 24th July at Jada's Corner at 9 a.m. You will receive final instructions. " On the other side it is in the Native language.

You hand that in - EXHIBIT"G. 887". Now, did you get any more? — Then I was in the Evaton Location, My car was parked and I wis some distance away from my car and on my return I found this bulletin lying on my front seat.

EXHIBIT "G. 888? — Evaton Boycott Bulletin No. 3. "We are doing it. Today is the twelfth day of the boycott. There are still many more days ahead. But each day that passes is one day nearer to our victory. The people of Evaton and Annan-dale are showing the E.P.S. and the world that they cannot be kicked about by anybody any longer - least of all'Longone' and the E.P.S. We are going to carry on this boycott fully until they realise we are a force to be reckoned with. We salute the

Mid-people of/Annandale who are conducting thir boycott one hundred per cent. BY THE COURT: Annandale..? — Mid-Annandale.

What place is that? — The real name of this township is Mid-Enerdale. It is a Coloured Township situated near Gras-mere Rait way Station.

In what district is that? — It is actually in the Magisterial District of Roodepoort but it falls in the Evaton Police area.

Yes? — "We salute the people of Mid-Annandale who are conducting their boycott a hundred per cent. Let them not tire in their brilliant effort. Do not fear intimidation. When we embarked on this struggle we knew it was just. We know we have been treated like dirt all the time by the bus company. We have been sworn at by Inspectors and assaulted and humiliated by

other staff members Now we must tell them it will never happen again. The Police, Longone and his henchmen cannot frighten us. Recently some of them drove buses at our pickets. We are not so easily frightened. We shall have our freedom after the struggle is won. We cannot and shall not turn back now. We must go forward until victory is ours. Need for unity and discipline. Our bus struggle demands of all of us unity and discipline. It is a struggle which involves every man,

woman and child. It is therefore necessary that we all unite for unity in strenght. Take your oders only from the Committee. Do not take any notice of propaganda being spread by the bus company through their henchmen. Arrests and assaults. This week Mr. Zita of Small Farms was arrested for picketing and appeared in Court when he paid a fine of £5. A young boy of 18, Norman Mcuna was assaulted by conductors on Saturday night and then handed over to the Police by them. He spent the week-end in the cells. When he appeared in Court he was charged with assault and his case was remanded until August the 8th, Monday. He is out on £5 bail. A further charge of assault is being made on those who assaulted him. Kliptown. Conductors are out for beating you up. There will always be such incidents in the struggle. Our pickets are well behaved under serious provocation and we will not give us our fight until victory is won. Kepp up this spirit. Come to a mass meeting on Sunday,

August 7th at 9 a,m, at Jada's Corner to tear the latest. Issued by Evaton's People's Transport.

BY THE COURT: Can you say who is referred to as "Longone"? — I do not know this "longone" personally but I was told by people to whom it refers, BY P.P. Now, you pointed out Molife yesterday? — Yes.

Did you at any stage have any ooversation with Lolife? Yes, it was on the 26th June, 1956. I was in Evaton that

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day. That afternoon - it was after the train from Johannes-burg which brought the workers back arrived. A certain re-port was made to me in consequence of which I proceeded in the direction of the Evaton Railway Station. Rear the railway station on the road I saw a procession of Natives marching in my direction. I halted this procession. Molife, Aacused No. 43, he was walking in front of this procession and I spoke to him. He requested an interview with me. I told him that I was prepared to grant him this interview but that I was not willing to speak to such a large gathering of Natives; that he and a few representatives of the Natives could come to the Police Station and I would speak to him. He appeared satis-fied with my suggestion but he mentioned that these Natives

, had gathered in this procession because they were afraid of going to their homes in the location; they feared that they might be attacked on the way. I then told him that I would escort these iMatives safely into the location, and thst he and his representatives oould in the meantime go to the Police Station and that when I am satisfied that these workers are all safely in their homes I would come for this interview with him. He then spoke to the people and with my men that I had with me, I escorted them into the station. When I was satisfied that they were safely Jiome I returned to the Police Station where I met Accused No. 43 and three or four others. I took them into the office and Accused No, 43 then complained about the presence of the buses in the location and requested me, more or less, that I should prohibit these buses from coming into the location. I told him that 1 had no such power. That these buses were granted a licence to run and that it was quite lawful for them to run through the location. Molife then made certain allegations against the Police. He complain ed that the Police would only take notice of complaints

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lodged by non-boycotters and they refused to attend to complain-ts lodged by boycotters. I asked him "Give me the names of those people whom the Police have refused to accept their com-plaints so that I could have the matter investigated and, if necessary, take disciplinary action against the Policemen con-cerned. He didn't supply me with any names. I then said to Molife "Quite a number of cases have been reported to the Police in which passengers have been assaulted and some even robbed and instances in which stones had been thrown at buses and I also mentioned the one incident where the bus was burnt and he merely said that the presence of the buses in the locat-ion aggravated the people.

BY THE COURT; Did he mention why he was not giving any names? — No, when I asked him the names of those people - well - he didn't give any. He just said that the people were dissatis-fied because the Police in the first instance did not take any notice of their complaints. I then also told him that he should tell those people, or the boycotters, in general, that if they had any complaints that they should go either direot to the Station Commander or to his scond-in-command, Sgt. Groenewald, and that I gave the assurance that if they did that their com-plaints would be fully investigated. BY P.P. NO FURTHER QUESTIONS. BY MR. BERRANGE; May cross-examination be reserved, if Your Worship pleases. This witness has been very lengthy and there is lots of matter that we may want to take up after consultation with our clients. BY P.P. Your Worship, this witness is very busy and he has got to attend Court at Yereeniging the day after tomorrow - I do not know when the Dfence wants to reserve its cross-examination too - at least they apply to reserve his cross-examination...

- 5940 -

BY MR. BERRANGE: To a time and a date that will be convneient both to the Crown and, of course, to the witness, Sir. BY P.P. I prefer, Your Worship, the cross-examination of these witnesses to be done as the witnesses testify. In this instance I realise that there may be a lot of matters which which will ned investigation but everyone one the witnesses I am going to call, I take it, cross-examination will be reserved. It will throw out our schedule completely,

BY THE COURT: The Defence may not always know or anticipate what the nature is of tfe evidence which the Crown may tender. BY P.P. That is so. In this instance I have no objection, I just wish to make it clear that it might throw out our schedule and then we might come to a stage where we will have to ask for an adjournment for a day or two. BY THE COURT: Yes, but if the request is reasonable then the request will have to be granted, BY P.P. As Your Worship pleases.

BY THE COURT: The Defence, of course appreciates that there is a certain amount of inconvenience and that they will do their best not to make unnecessary.,..

BY MR. BERRANGE: I think Your Worship has observed right through out the conduct of these proceedings that where we have been able to, we have cross-examined immediately. There are certain, cases, of course, where it becomes impossible to do so without being properly instructed. BY THE COURT: Is that your attitude,too Mr. Coaker? BY MR. COAKER: My attitude is similar BY MR. SOLOYD: Mine is tfe same, Sir. BY THE COURT: The witness will then stand down for cross-examination.

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THE CROW GALLS: LOURENS MARTINIS GROENEWALD, Sworn States: EXAMINED BY MR. VAN NIEKERK:

Are you a Sergeant in the South African Police stat-ioned at Evaton in the District of Vereeniging? — I am.

And are you aware of the fact that during July, 1955, the Evaton Passenger Service which is a transport company transporting persons between Johannesburg and Evaton, gave notice that they were going to increase their fares? — Yes,

And was a committee then formed in Evaton which called themselves the "Evaton People's Transport Council"? — That is correct.

And do you know what persons constituted this committee — Yes.

Who were they? — It was - Visume Make was the Chairman Joseph Molife was the Secretary; Abel Kubeka was the Treasurer;

Then there were members:Bob Asmal; J. M. Kumalo; Victor Ntetchane; Lombard Mbato.

.Was there anybody else whom you don't recollect? — There was one ekane.

Can you identify V. Make? — Yes, I know him well. And Joseph Molife? — I can identify him, too.

Bob Asmal? — Him too. And J.M. Kumalo? — I can identify him too. Will you please do so? — Witness- identifies Accused

No, 2 - Bob Asmal; Accused No, 25 - V. Make; Accused No. 43 -Joseph Molife; Accused No. 19 - J. Kumalo.

There other one is not there. BY THE COURT: Then there is no point in the witness looking for him. That is No?

No. 19, Your Worship.

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Now you remember that - do you remember the date when the fares were to be increased? — On the 25th July, 1955.

And at that time were you stationed at Evaton? — I was.

And itet did you notice on the morning of the 25th July, 1955? — The passengers travelled as usual and later in the morning woen and men and children congregated on the Golden Highway - stopping buses as they came by.

How did they stop these buses? — They just walked in front of the bus telling it to stop.

Yes? — Then the passengers were told to change - to get out of the buses - not to ride the buses.

Yes? — If they refused they were pulled out of the buses and told that the buses were not to be used.

And then ? — They were warned that they were not allowed to pull passengers from the buses and they are &t liberty to ask the passengers to co-operate with them to get off the buses and not to use the buses.

Now, did you see any of the Accused amongst the people on the Golden Highway? — Yes, I saw Bob Asmal and Sulliman Nathie arrive and they mingled with the people; spoke to them and then the attitude of the people changed.

In what respect? — They beoame almost hostile towards the Police on duty.

Now, this person, Nathie, can you identify him? — I can.

Will you please do so? — Witness identifies Accused No. 50 - S. Nathie.

Yes, you say the attitude of the crowd changed. You say they became hostile, who do you say that? — Well, the crowd was first laughing and joking and then they became sullen and dared the Police to travel through; jeered at the Police. At first when they were warned to stay off the road they

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complied with our request and then after these people had spoken to them they just wouldn't stay off the road.

Now what happened on the next day, the day after the trouble started - or the bus boycott started? — That was the day they marched about in the streets; some were on pedal cycles riding around flashing their railway tickets and shout-ing "Asikwela". That day they also started posting pickets at the various bus stops.

Did anybody visit these pickets at the bus stops? — Yes, Bob Asmal travelled round in his lorry visiting these piokets and groups of people on the streets.

Now, on this day, the same day, was there again a great number of people gathered together? — Yes.

Where? In Evaton on the road? — On the road, yes. On the 26th July, 1955? — Yes.

And what happened there? — They held processions in the location - walking along the street.

Was there an incident about a bus on that day? — On the morning of the 26th there were buses travelling past Jada's - a bus was followed by a Mr. Zimmerman and myself in a jeep.

BY THE C OURTi Who is Mr. Zimmerman? — He belongs to the company of the Evaton Passenger Service. He is the mamaner or something. The Police van was travelling directly behind us and when we came to Jada's Square we found the people congregating trying to stop the bus, We immediately stopped and prevented these people from stopping the bus - entering the bus - and the bas passed through the crowd. BY P.P. And then? — As the bus was travelling away the people followed on foot. A Native woman was running along the street fell in front of Zimmerman's jeep.

Yes? — We helped her up.

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Was she run over? — No, she just fell right in front of the jeep.

Did you stop the jeep? — We stopped the jeep. Yes? — We helped her up; she had a slight injury to

her ankle. We followed the bus. Then the people had congre-gated further down the street. They were now shouting, swear-ing in the street and six people were arrested for disturbance.

Yes? — They were taken to the Evaton Charge Office where later on Bob Asmal came and paid admission of guilt for them of £1. 0, 0. each.

Yes? — On the following day Sulliman Nathie came to the Police Station and requested that he be informed of any arrests of boycotters or people arrested in connection with the boycott.

Now, on that day, the 27th July, did you notice anyboclj at the bus stops? — There were people at the #us stops and there were also pickets at the bus stops.

Do you know a person by the name of Gabuthlane? — Yes, he is a leader of a gang of Msutos who joined in the bus boycott.

Where did you see him? — I saw him in the Evaton Location and also at a bus boycott meeting one Sunday when he addressed the meeting. BY THE ODURT: What sort of meeting was it? — It was a boycott meething. BY P.P. Now, on the 14th August, 1955, did you attend a meeting? Or was there a meeting on? — There was a meeting at Jada's Square on the 14th August, 1955.

What kind of a meeting was this? — It was a boycott meeting and under the Chairmanship of Make.

Yes? — Whilst this meeting was in progress several remarks were made against the Government, the Police were

- 5945 -

attacked. This was on the bus route and several buses had passed. Each time a bus passed the meeting - the members of the meeting - became hostile - threatening - shouting and threatening to stone the buses. The members Make and Molife everytime persuaded the people not to use force and to leave the buses alone. At about 12 midday a bus again arrived at the meeting and stopped opposite the meeting. The people assembled there started shouting, waving thir arms and I noticed that the bus was going to cause trouble and I went up to the driver and told the driver to move on. The driver refused and said he was not going to be killed; he got out of the bus. The people then started stoning the bus; they also assaulted the driver of the bus when he got out. I arrested , Native whom I had seen throw half-a-brick through the window of the bus. There were passengers in the bus, too, and the people then started to stone me. I noticed Make and Molife on the platform shouting to the people to control themselves but they had evidently lost control. Molife came up to me where I still had this prisoner I had arrested and he waved his arms trying to get the crowd to stop throwing stones but they just would not listen. The conductor then got into the bus and took the bus away. I later - I fired several shots and later released the prisoner and ran to a house nearby for cover. These people stoned the house and later when it quietened down I left and went back to the Evaton Police Station. My cap remained behind at the scene and I did not find it again.

On the 7th September, 1955, do you recollect? — On that night an Evaton Passenger Service bus was burnt out.

Now, on the 8th September, 1955? — On the 8th Sep-tember, 1955 I was on escort duty of a bus through the Evaton Location. The bus that night instead of taking the usual

- 5946 -

route through No. 1 Location and then to Samm Farms reversed its trip that night and entered Small Farms through Evaton No, 1. Now, when we came to Evaton Timber Yards we found on the side of the street a drum" with a small - what appeared to me to be some waste burning on top of this drum. The street was lined on both sides with Natives. We passed this drum witl fire on it and people when they noticed the bus strated throw-ing stones at the bus. I arrested ores Native male for throw-ing stones at the bus and the crowd then started stoning the Police van. I took out the'Sten' and pointed the Sten at the people who immediately backed away. Several bottles contain-ing petrol were also thrown at the van. When the crowd backed away

Do you know whether any bottles had been thrown at the bus? — No, not at the bus - at the van which was just behinc the bus.

Yes. Will you just draw a sketch for the infermation of the Court to show how the bus usually runs - the route usually taken by the bus and the route taken by you that even-ing. Indicate on that sketch plan, please, where this drum was; where the people were and where the..,. BY THE COURT: .Sketch Plan - EXHIBIT "G. 889". (Witness draws plan).

BY P.P. Those dots that you have got next to the sidewalk, do they represent the people - the crowd standing there on both sides of the road? — That is so.

And this evening when the stones were thrown and the petrol was thrown, you had already passed the fire? — The bus had gone past the fire.

If the bus had gone the usual route then - the place where there was the stone throwing is before you get to the fire - is that correct? — On the usual route, yes,

- 5947 -

The usual direction? — Yes. Now, I "believe at some stage then, the buses were taken

off completely for a period? — Yes. And do you know when they were brought back on the

route? — On the 24-th October, they were brought back, m a t year? — 1955.

Did you proceed to Evaton that day, the 24th October, 1955? — Yes, Mr. Zimmerman came to the Police Station early that morning and I and a patrol accompanied him through Evaton Location on the route the bus had to take. When we came to Jada's Corner we found the road barricaded by large rocks being put across the road. Mr. Zimmerman was travell-ing in front of us and when he approached this barricade a few Natives came into the street and struck his car with their kierries and threw some stones at the car. When the Police got off the van then the ^atives disappeared into the darness of the side of the road. We escorted several buses past the people on the Golden Highway in the early morning. Make and Molife were present and besides yelling and shouting at the buses when going past, nothing happened whilst the Police were present. During the morning the people had grown to about 1,000 and they held a procession through Evaton Location, through Evaton Small Farms. They were escorted through Small Farms by the Police and they returned to Evaton Location later on. At about 3. 45 p.m. that same day I received a report that....

What did you do as a result of the report? — As a result of this report, I went to Evaton Small Farms. On my arrival there I found approximately 10^ Msutos under leader-ship of Relekeke coming away from the spruit. In the spruit I saw quite a large number of men whom, I took,to be boy-cotters. I stopped Relekeke and his gang and held them there till Captain Strick and more meh arrived when they

Collection: 1956 Treason Trial Collection number: AD1812

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