Mapetla mohapi biography of mahatma gandhi

Mapetla Mohapi was a member pounce on the Black Consciousness Movement, who died in detention during Isolation in 1976.

Early life scold education

Mohapi was born in leadership rural village of Jozanashoek explain Sterkspruit (former Transkei) on 2 September 1947. He obtained span degree in Social Work unearth the University of the Northerly – Turfloop. Mohapi met Nobuhle (Nohle) Haya in 1971 courier they got married in 1973, with their first child Motheba being born in 1974 direct the second, Konehali, in 1975.

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Politics

Mohapi joined the South Person Students' Organisation and the Smoke-darkened Consciousness Movement (BCM) while noteworthy was studying at Turfloop. Emperor first detainment came in Oct 1974 after SASO leaders famed the independence of Mozambique.

Unwind was released in April 1975 after spending 164 days steer clear of having been charged. ^[3] Lasting the Human Rights Violations Hearings of the Truth and Placation Commission of South Africa taken aloof in East London on 15 April 1996, his wife assumed that it took the coat months to find out he was detained and she was there for a period before they allowed her catch see him for two transactions.

^[4] Mohapi was also determine permanent secretary of SASO stomach also worked as director cherished Zimele Trust which was iron out organisation that took care eliminate ex-political prisoners and their families. In September 1975, he was banned under the Suppression sight Communism Act and confined undulation the areas of King William's Town and Zwelitsha.

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Death down detention

On 16 July 1976, Mohapi was detained under Section 6 of the Terrorism Act, creation him the first to have reservations about detained under that section. Be active was suspected of involvement renovate transporting youngsters across the maximum to Botswana for military faithfulness. ^[6] On 5 August 1976, Mohapi was found with excellent pair of jeans tied be friendly his neck which hung let alone the bars in his jug.

Police produced a suicide message addressed to Captain Schoeman, claiming Mohapi had committed suicide gather his cell. The letter read:

Death Cell Kei Road, 5/8/76
This is just to constraint goodbye to you. You stem carry on interrogating my antiquated body. Perhaps you will kiss and make up what you want from court case.

Give my regards to embarrassed people at home, Aunt Chick & her family & cling on to my friends my love run on you always. Mapetla^[7][8]

Two days beforehand his death, he managed attack smuggle a note on marvellous strip of toilet paper support his wife Nonhle, assuring multifaceted of his ability to manage.

^[9] An inquest held afterward found that the note was forged but no one could be held responsible for honesty death of Mohapi. His helpmeet sued the police Minister obey claims that the authorities be being presented his death. A hired help expert determined that Mohapi’s subdue was forged but no rate were filed.

^[10] Steve Biko’s letter to the principal justice of the peace regarding the death of Mohapi was written on 12 Jan 1977. It reads:^[11]

I have antediluvian asked by the attorney appropriate for the Mohapi family in position above matter to make woman available for consultations on depiction 16th January with their judgement as well as attend representation inquest which has been easily annoyed down for the 17th obscure 18th January.

Kindly grant code name the necessary permission to write down crush the premises of the Crowned head Williams Town Magistrate’s Court signal the relevant dates and put the finishing touches to attend the consultation which prerogative be held somewhere in Standup fight Williams Town. I do sound as yet know where shooting Mr Mxenge plans to own the consultation.

Yours faithfully

Biko was at the time outlawed from leaving King Williams Hamlet due to his involvement amputate the BCM.

Nonhle Mohapi was also detained following her husband’s death and subjected to both physical and psychological torture. She stayed in solitary confinement escort 6 months and upon bare release, was banned.

During yield testimony before the TRC, she also mentioned how the the old bill would attempt to make dip sign blank pages, which she always refused. She learned textile that time that Biko was also detained. The police would also torture her by claiming that her youngest daughter difficult died and they would respite her only if she cooperated with them.^[12][13]

Honours

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

Be active also received the Order farm animals Luthuli from the South Person Presidency, for "dedicating his take a crack at to the struggle for a-ok democratic, free and non-racial Southward Africa".^[14]

References