8201. D/S GT. DIEPERICHS. MR. HOEKSTER: Could they be "Y.l"... RUMP EE J; Why don't you retain G-.1090? MR. HOEKSTER; Yes my lord, G.

Transcription

1 8201. D/S GT. DIEPERICHS MR. HOEKSTER: Could they be "Y.l"... RUMP EE J; Why don't you retain G-.1090? MR. HOEKSTER; Yes my lord, G.1089 (a) in the case of Ncai and G.1089 (b) in the case of Ndhaba. RUMPFF J: MR. HOEKSTER: Mr.Piederichs, you hand in the original transcript G.1089? RUMPFF J; Any questions? MR. KENTRIPGE: No questions. RUMPFF J: Thank you. 10 MR. HOEKSTER: My learned friends Mr.Terblanche and Trengove 7/ill lead the next portion of the evidence, my lords. RUMPFF J: 15 MR. TRENGOVE: My lords, the Crown now proposes calling D/Sergeant Wessels. WYNAND JACOBUS WESSELS S.S: 20 XD. BY MR. TRENGOVE: Mr, Wessels, you are c Detective Sergeant in the S.A.P. at Vereeniging? And you are attached to the Security Branch at Vereeniging, is that correct? How long have you been attached to the Security 25 Branch? Ten years now. And when did you become tationed at Vereeniging? Since And from 1950 to 1953 where were you? The Greys, Johannesburg. 30

2 BELT D/S. WESSELS. Now. Mr. Weasels, at Everton - does that fall within your area? During the period that you were here, the period covered by the Indictment, 1953 to during that period - do you know whether there were any organisations active politically in the Everton Area?-- Could you name any of these organisations? Yes, African National Congress, African Peoples Transport Council. Now during your period of office at Everton did you attend meetings of the African National Congress? And did you attend public meetings of the Everton peoples' Transport Council? Did you make notes at some of those meetings? Now you say that the Everton Peoples Transport Council was also - - you said that in reply to my question that political organisations were active there - - why do you say that is a political organisation; what were they "busy with? Their way of holding their meetings took the same form as the African National Congress. Apart from the form what were they campaigning for? They attacked the Pass Laws; they discussed the oppression of the Bantu People, the Bantu Education Act, and other lawe, and they "bolstered up the Liberation Movement of the African National Congress. They bolstered up the Liberation Movement. RUMPEE J: What's that in Afrikaans? "Opgehemel". I don't know if my interpretation is correct RUMPEF J:, They lauded it? Ye3.

3 8203. D/SG-T.WESSELS ME. TRENGOVE: Mr. Weasels, can you say whether these things you've mentioned, whether those were the things that were said at the Evert on Peoples Transport meeting at the outset, or did they have any other object at the outset that you know of? Yes y they had other objects. What did they Initially speak of..? The boycotting of buses which were owned by a certain company. Now, Mr.Wessels, you then say that you attended meetings of this Committee and of the African National Congress, is that correct? In your capacity as Security Officer? Now I want to hand you, Mr. Wessels, a document marked "G.399", and I want you to identify that document? I can identify it. My lords, reference to this document is to be found at page 3632 of the Preparatory Examination Record. Now, what is this document, Mr. Wessels? This document contains original notes that I made at the meeting. At what meeting? A.N.C. Where? Jatta Square, Everton. On what date? I did not put the date on here. Have you any idea of the date? Or haven't you? It was during May, Yes, my lord. You say those notes were made at the meeting? And do they reflect what was said and what happened at the meeting? And did you take down what was said and what happened to the best of your ability? Have you at this date, Mr.Wessels, any independent

4 8204. D/S G-T. WESSELS recollection of exactly what happened and what was aaid at that meeting? No. I can only refresh myself "by looking at my notes. And if you were allowed to refresh your memory from your notes, would you he able to tell their lordships what you recorded as having happened at that meeting? I ask permission, my lords, for the witness to refer to his notes. RUMPFF J; MR. TRENGOVE: Now, Mr. Wessels, will you now look at your notes and refresh your memory from your notes? When you say it was an A.N.C. meeting what does A.N.C. stand for? African National Congress. Who opened the meeting? Kumalo. What Kumalo? He is known to me as J.M. Kumalo, and he's the chairman of the African National Congress. And will you tell their lordships what he did at this meeting? What was the first thing he did according to your notes? According to my notes, my lord, he distributed pamphlets. My lords, the witness' notes are in English. To facilitate the leading of the evidence may he, when referring to his notes he could tell the Court in English... RUMPFF J: No. Ek dink sal makliker lees anders sal ons nou 'n bietjie deur mekaar? Ja, ek sal die vrae in Engels geantwoord. Nou sal jy moet "bnie harder praat naden aan die mike.

5 8205. D/SGT. WESSELS MR. TRENGOVE; Now, apart from the question of the distribution of literature, what did J.M. Kumalo say at this meeting? Kumalo introduced Nkademen. Do you know this person? Yes, I know him. And would you be able to identify him if you see him in Court? I think I will be able to. Well, will you do so? (Identifies accused No.9) KENNEDY J: Well, that's the wrong identification. MR. TRENGOVE: Yes, my lords. Now, Mr.Wessels, would you look at what you recorded Kumalo as having said? Did he say what the purpose of this meeting was? He introduced Nkademen. Now having introduced him did he say anything else? He, according to my notes, said "Skole van die A.N.C. Alexander ng on&erwysers, afdanklng die Regering, skeelbou by A.N.C. skoolboue, skole gaan self in Evaton skole bou A.N.C, in standplaas, sing Myibuya Afrika." Just before that,.. RUMPFE J: I thought his notes were in English. MR. TRENGOVE: ; His notes on what was actually said, my lord; I'm coming to that. RUMPFF J: Oh. MR. TRENGOVE; Have you got a note which says what they were going to do at that meeting? Just a few sentences before the portion you've read from? I've got a note here in Afrikaans. Kumalo speaks in a Bantu language which is interpreted by Mpanga, of no special interest. He introduces Nkademen, interpreted by Mpanga. This thing of Malan's is too heavy to carry. Meeting on

6 8206. D/SG.WESSELS. 22/5/55. Members meeting. MR. FISCHER; My lords, I wonder if I may interrupt my learned friend. We have an exhibit 399 but it's of an entirely different - well, not entirely different but it's quite differently framed, my lords. I wonder if my learned friend has a copy of this particular one. MR. TRENGOVE; Well, this is the Exhibit G.399. Alright, now, after Kumalo, who was the next speaker? Nkademen. Would you tell their lordships what he said? He spoke in English interpreted by two Bantu men.. What did he say? Mr.Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen and Members of Government: I have much pleasure to speak here to you to-day. I speak to you on behalf of the A.N.C. Transvaal, about two things. Education Act, 2) Congress of the People. 1) Bantu Without wasting time I want to tell you that the wheel of Freedom has started rolling. When Dr.Verwoerd and his henchmen started with the Bantu Education Act they said this was the first step to put the African (Kaffir) in his place. It is the duty of our people to take notice of what this Government is doing. We will not restband we will try our very best for our children. The president of Congress requested us to keep the wheels of freedom roll -ing. It started rolling at Benoni and is now on its way,rolling on its way to freedom. I want to ask you people in Everton to start too. Keep the wheel of freedom on the roll. All over the world people are watching the wheel and they all want to help us. You all know how dangerous the Bantu Education Act is. The Government has no love for us. It is a clear indication

7 8207, D/SG-T. WEBS ELS that the Government has a clear psychological war against the African. They first started with the Pass Laws and now they want to ruin our children. I want to tell you here and now that the Government has already launched war against us. I want you people to discuss Congress everywhere - in houses and at work. You must join in your thousands. It is the only way to crush this Government. Everywhere where meetings are held you find police who report everything we are saying. They are helping the Government to destroy us. You will never see them at a Nat meeting. Let them carry on; we will still get our freedom. You must wear your Congress badges. I have seen how Europeans in Johannesburg streets admire us when we wear our badges. Congress is holding the future of South Africa. Government is worried. They worry about the feet that we are going forward very fast. The men who led boycotts at Benoni far boycotted/away from us to Vryburg. He was deported because Verwoerd was scared of him. Let them deport - they cannot deport our spirit. Let them deport us all. They cannot stop us. The wheel of freedom will keep on rolling. The Government is helping us to become stronger and stronger. In 1951 when we campaigned against Pass Laws certain people of our own worked against us, but they came back and are now all members of the A.N.C. Let Government intensify their oppression; we are intensifying our struggle. You all know how the Congress of the People was formed. We are marching forward to the 25/26th June, The demands for the Freedom Charter ate streaming in, and everyone of you must get busy get busy now. See your friends and write to relatives in the Reserves." Now, is it correct that he then went on to say -

8 8219, D/SGT. WESSELS look at the next portion of the speech - that the South African Delegates at UNO misrepresented the African National Congress and the African, or the Bantu in South Africa? And is it correct that he then went on to refer again to the Bantu Education Act which he attacked? And did he also go on to refer to the Defiance Campaign? MR. FISCHER; My lords, I'm not sure whether my learned friend has possibly put something in his summary which is not in our note, or whether our note is different. 10 We have an exhibit which apparently was put in at the Preparatory marked G.399 which contains part of the speech read out, but doesn't contain any reference, as far as I can make out, to an attack on Bantu Education - that part of the speech. RUMPFF J; To which Mr. Trengove referred just now? MR. FISCHER; To which he referred in this part of the speech, my lord. RUMPFF J: What is the secret of this? 20 MR. TRENGOVE; My lord, I may have put a construction on it which is incorrect. I withdraw the fact that he referred to the Bantu Education Act. MR.FISHER; The criticism of the A.N.C - it was said that the people in South Africa who read it were very happy that the A.N.C. is only a group of mad Communists. MR, TRENGOVE; Well, I say that the, my lords, I am endeavouring to summarise; may I just explain; he complained that the S.A. Delegates at 30

9 8209. L/SGT.wessels UNO misrepresented the African National Congress. I summa^ 1 rised as follows, my lordss do you remember the European delegates to UNO never told the truth about South Africa; when Smuts was there he told them that the people were very happy in South Africa, they nevertold them how our people are dying on the mines. They did not tell how we are op- 5 pressed. Delegates from other countries.,. RUMPFF J; Why cannot all this be summarised by suggesting or dealing with the themes that he deals with? MR. TRENGOVE; Yes, my lord. RUMPFF J; Where the theme is Bantu Education 1 - the theme he supports for the Congress of People and a few more themes; what more do you want? MR. TRENGOVE Yes, my lord, I don't want any more. RUMPPF J s If you went the witness to quote a particular passage, well then you can do so, but it seems to me that so far as the Crown is concerned the Crown is interested in the themes that are dealt with. KIR. TRENGOVE: As your lordship pleases. I will endeavour to do that, my lord. Now, Mr. Wessels, 20 would you turn to page 5 of your notes and read to his lordships what the speaker said at the conclusion of his speech, starting, "Friends, let us ask ourselves"? "Friends,let us ask ourselves, will these people stop what they are doing now? Will Strydom and Company stop oppress- 25 ing us? I am telling you again, this Government has launched war against us, not only us but against other Nationalities. makes you mad. When God wants to destroy you he first This was once said by a famous leader of A.N.C. Look at the Government. They are all getting 30

10 8205. D/SGT. WESSELS mad, They are destr«ying themselves. Arise, Africa, l and build your own Government. The wheel of freedom is rolling on." Now, Mr.Wessels., this man J.M. Kumalo who introduced Nkademen, do you know whether or not he was an accused at the Preparatory Examination in this case? Yes, he was. Mr.Wessels, I now hand you an Exhibit marked G I'm sorry, G.401? G.400, my lord. G.401, My lords, the reference to this document is set forth at page 3462 of the Preparatory Examination ]_o record. Do you identify - are you able to identify this document G.401? What is it? These are original notes which I made at a meeting held on Sunday 28th August, And where was this meeting held? The meeting 15 was held at Jarra Square, Everton. And did you make a note of the people present at the meeting, that you knew 9 Nov/, were these notes made simultaneously with the speeches being made? 20 Do they record what you recollect as having been said? And are you still in a position to-day on your independent recollection to say exactly what transpired at that meeting, and what was said? Everything that was 25 said 9 Erom my notes, yes. Without your notes 9 Not without my notes If you can refresh your memory from your notes would you be able to say? I ask permission for the witness to refer to his 30

11 8205. D/SGT. WESSELS notes, my lord? RUMPFF J; MR TRENGOVE; Now, Mr Wessels, did you make a note of people who were present there that you knew? Yes, I did. And also the people who spoke and what they said? Now, who was the chairman at that meeting? The chairman was Make. Did you know him, do you know him?-- Yes, I know him. Is he connected with any organisation? He was the chairman of the Everton Peoples Transport Council and a member of the African National Congress. Do you know whether or not he was accused person at the Preparatory Examination? Yes, he was. The chairman made a speech, is that correct?-- Will you omit that;, it deals with the bus boycott as a theme, and after him who was the next speaker? S.M. Nathie. Do you know him? Yes, I know him. Is he a resident of Everton? And do you know whether he was connected with any particular organisation? He is connected with the Transvaal Indian Congress. And do you know whether he occupies any position in any organisation at Everton? He was the leader of the T r ansvaal Indian Congress at Everton. Did he then speak? And also on this Bus boycott? He supported the boycott movement? Now, after dealing with the boycott at Everton,

12 8205. D/SGT. WESSELS will you refer to his speech at page 4 of your notes, the last portion of the speech where he says - he talks of a man by the name of Nongome, And what did he say there? "I am informed that Long One employed people to go around in Evert on to tell I 9 ) people that the Indians are not on the Africans' side, but on the company side; that is a deliberate lie, we have always been with you in all your struggles and we are with you in this struggle too. We are on our way to victory. I just want to warn the scabs and spies when we have won, when victory is ours, we will deal with them. Afrika, Afrika." And who was the next speaker after that? Make. The chairman? And did he introduce anybody after thanking the previous speaker? Make thanked him and said that everyone at the meeting was glad for the support from the Indians. Mr. Nathie could be sure that we will also always be with them in their struggles. I now call on Mr Molife." Did you know the next speaker? Yes, I know him. Molife? Is he connected with any organisation? He was the secretary of the Everton Peoples Transport Council and a member of the African National Congress. Would you be able to identify him if you see him in Court? Will you do so? (Witness identifies accused No.10). J. Molife, accused No.10, my lords. Where does

13 BELT D/SG-T. WESSELS. Molife stay? At that time he was staying in Everton. i Now, what did Molife say? Look at your notes and refresh your memory?- "I am not going to make a long speech as I have a sore throat. I just want to thank Mr Nathie for his very inspiring message. I am also very glad to inform the gathering that we are on our way to victory. We have our enemies on the run. It is with the assistance of Mr.Nathie and our Indian friends that ^re getting ahead. I feel that if the Indians want to run a bus company in Everton and charge the fare we are prepared, and which we can afford to pay, we are prepared to accept it. Even Europeans, Chinese, Portueguese, can run the buses as long as we are not overcharged. We are sick and tired of exploitation. It is about time we make a stop to it. I think our enemies have also come to think that we must be tired of exploitation. They must be able to notice our determination. You must have noticed that the shares in Kamiel's (?) Bus Company have gone down a hundred percent. Long One is worried. His company is going down and I can only give him this advice: go back to Italy and sell your buses. I am very proud of the ^0 determination of our people. I have more hope now that we have this personal message of Mr.Nathie. We are on our way to victory. with a lot of people. After victory we are going to Court We shall take them to our own Courts and deal with them according to law, our law. The driver of bus No.11 must be charged for incitement.." Then he referred to - - alright, just carry on? "We are investigating this case and we are going to call the police to give evidence in this case. He is the one who had his bus full of Russians on Saturday 30

14 8205. D/SGT. WESSELS 26th/27th to incite the people of Everton." w haye the assurance of the Basuto leaders that they are with us in our struggle." Then he refers to the fact that the Railways are providing services, is that correct? After him who was the next speaker? The next speaker was Michael Motsele. Did you know him? Do you know whether he was connected with any organisation? He was introduced as a member of the African National Congress; He was wearing an African National 10 Congress badge. What did he say? "Mr.Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very glad that I again have the chance to speak to the people of Everton. I'm very proud to see that you are so very much determined here in Everton. 15 When I was first invited to Everton my A.N.C.Committee at Alexander didn't want me to come. I as secretary of the Alexander A.N.C hide and seek game. branch said it would look like a I, however, told them that my assistance was needed in Everton and they allowed me to 20 go. Now they are also very glad that I was invited for a second time. You will realise that we are fighting a struggle where our people are being killed by oppression. You will realise that we are killed because we are demanding a full loaf of bread, not a half loaf. 25 Morocco. You all know what happened last week in French /People demanding their freedom were killed like dogs.they also demanded full loaves, not half loaves. The Italian and his gang of loafers must remember that the road to victory means bloodshed and tears, and they must remember 30

15 8205. D/SGT. WESSELS that all Africans are used to "bloodshed and tears. One of these days they are going to use guns on us. When the first shot is fired and the first one of us killed you must remember victory and freedom is very near. Let them kill us. We expect it- The whole world expects it. It is not only here we are fighting a struggle - the whole of Africa is struggling. In Kenya, in French Morocco, in the Gold Coast, Sudan, the Africans are fighting for liberation. The whole of Africa is awake. We are prepared to fight all our struggles to the bitter end. I appeal to you in Everton, unite and keep up the spirit. We are determined and not only determined but very positive to get our freedom. We are not going to be divided. We are not going to allow the Government to carry out a policy of divide and rule. We must unite and fight. We must not only fight against our oppressors, but also agsinst our own people who are spies and who despise us. My own people, the Basutos 5 who are being bribed by Europeans to fight for them, they must be fought. I am very disappointed to hear that Russians are working for the Italians. I do not believe it, and make this very serious request to them. Do not despise your own people, do not go against your own people. I appeal to my people from Basutoland to come out in your thousands and fight the struggle with us to the bitter end." RUMPFF J: Was this speech delivered in English? Yes my lord. Were there any interpreters translating the speech? Yes, there were always two or three interpreters. REMEDY J; What is the reference to therussians? My lord, the Russians originally, as far as I can remember,

16 8205. D/SGT. WESSELS were started at Sophiatown, Newclare. A gang?-- A gang ;. yes, my lord. The Russians were Basutos. I see? Prom the Basuto tribe as far as I can remember, my lord. And were Italians running the bus service? The Italians are the owners of the bus company which was being boycotted at that time MR. TRENGOVE: The next speaker at this meeting, according to your recollection, from your notes, whowas he? Dr Press. Did you know Dr.Press 9 No, I knew him at the time but I will not be able to identify him. The same as with Nkademen, I knew him at the time but I would not be able to identify him. What nationality, what race is Dr. Press? He was a European. What did he say? Dr. Press greeted "Afrika, Myibuya I am very glad to be with you people. I want to first advise you that the Bus Company are deciples of the Government, they are working for the Government. They ask the Government to help them. This Government asked them to oppress you people, If you people unite then not only can you throw the bus company out of Everton but you are also - you can also throw the Government out. Your struggle against the Bus Company is a part of the struggle in Africa against oppression. The unity of the people is the main weapon against the Government. Unite as never before. You, the African people, are in the majority. The Indians and Coloured people are with you in all your struggles. When all the people came to-

17 r D/SGT.WESSELS gether at Kliptown they made a Freedom Charter. We all l came together and drew up this charter, the need of the people. You all know the constitution. Part of it reads Africa belongs to all the people, black and white and no Government can claim the right to oppress you. We are many, yes, many Europeans who are with you. We 5 stand behind you in your struggle and we are prepared to fight with you for freedom We will get out freedom and when victory is ours we will show this Government. The people will run their own buses and the people will rule South Africa. Myibuya, Afrika." 10 The next speaker, who was that 9 The next speaker was Motloung. And was his speech translated by anybody into any language? Yes, his speech was translated into English by Make. 15 Was that the chairman? That was the chairman. And will you omit that speech and turn to the speech of the next speaker? The next speaker was Robert Resha. Do you know this man Robert Resha? No, I 20 would not be able to identify him. KENNEDY J: How did you name him? All these speakers were intrpduced, before they delivered their speeches. Is that how you got this name? Yes,mylord. 25 MR. TRENGOVE: Did you at any later stage become acquainted with this man who was introduced as Robert Resha? I have seen him at later stages but I did not take notice of him in such a way that it would be necessary for me to identify him at a later stage. 30

18 8205. D/SGT. WESSELS I may identify hiia but I an not sure that I would be able to. Well, if he were amongst the accused, would you try and identify him? I will. MR. FISCHER; That is already informing the witness where to look. In that case there should be a proper identification parade, my lord. RUMPFF J; MR. TRENGOVE; Alright, my lord, I won't insist. Would you tell their lordships what this man who was introduced as Robert Resha said? "Afrika, Afrika, Mr.Chairman, Sons and Daughters of Africa: I am very glad to be with you people in Everton. You are not alone in this struggle. We are showing the white man to-day that the land - that this land is the land of Chaka Mosheff etc. I want to tell you that you must be determined in this struggle. Your struggle today will not be the only struggle. You have many more struggles to fight, but be determined my people and fight against the oppression machine which is to-day in full operation, here at Everton. The Bus Company is a very small enemy but it is used by the Government. The Government is in charge of the Bus Company. The Italians have been employed and they do not know it, by the Government, to oppress you. We have learned in Johannesburg how you people are assaulted and arrested just because you decline to travel on the buses. We are also informed of the shrewd way the Government and the Italians are adopting in oppressing you. You must realise, my people, thatthis is the road to victory. Our forefathers prophesied that our road will be a different one, a difficult one, full of Lions like the Lion of the North, Strydom. We have been told what struggles lie in front. The white peoples are all

19 8219, D/SGT. WESSELS united against us. We are very glad, however, to have people like Dr. Press who stand with us to-day. We are not united, we are divided. That is why we are ruled. The Government is dividing the people. They tell the Basutos to work for the Bus Company and the Italians otherwise they will be deported to Basutoland. What do you think of this Government? us? What do you think of the way they are trying to divide But I'm telling you the Basutos are all with you in this struggle. The few who work for the Government are scabs, loafers, and are being paid for the dirty work. They must, however, remember that victory is going to be ours and we 10 will deal with them. I want to appeal to my black people. Unite and help us in this struggle; not in the struggle with the bus company only but in our big struggle, oppression. That man there, Swart, must take careful note; he must tell Swart that the people in Everton are united and prepared. 15 We are prepared for every little thing that can possibly be thrown against us. I appeal to you all to stand together and show the bus company and the Government that we are united as never before. Keep on with the boycott. You are on the way to victory. When you have won this 20 struggle you have won not only against the bus company, but also against the Government, My last message to you unite and victory will be ours." meeting. That, my lords, concludes the evidence on this 25 (COURT ADJOURNED FOR 15 MINUTES). 30

20 8205. D/SGT. WESSELS ON THE COURT RESUMING; MR. KENTRIDGE: My lords, during this adjournment we had a playing over of that disputed phrase; we had the Court Interpreter listen to it as well as some of the accused, and as Mr. Diederichs, I understand, would like to get his machines away and have them dismantled, I wondered whether my lord, we could simply ask by agreement for the interpreter, Mr. Lee, to tell the Court, have it recorded, what the Suto words were which followed the disputed phrase in English. Crown? BEKKER Js Is it common cause between you and the MR. KENTRIDGE; I think it is now, yes, my lord. BEKKER J: Then why don't you just say so. my lord. KR. KENTRIDGE: Well, Mr.Lee has a note of it, BEKKER J; MR. TRENGOVE; I have a note here, my lord, I'm not sure about the handwriting. BEKKER J; Well, you'd better make sure; let Mr. Lee see it. MR. TRENGOVE: Yes, my lord. I'm sorry, my learned friend has it, my lord; I passed the note to him. MR. KENTRIDGE: My lord, as I took down Mr. Lee's words, what was said was "If you go and deliver the message to your friends that you are given, then they will be well informed." BEKKER J: Is that the 'kill' or 'tell' lord. MR. KENTRIDGEs That's the 'kill' or 'tell, my BEKKER J: Just repeat that.

21 8219, D/SGT. WESSELS MR. KENTRIDGE: "If you go and deliver the message to your friends that you are, or have been given, then they will be well informed." I understand from Mr. Lee that the word for 'friends' could be translated as 'brothers' in a coloquial way. RUMPEF J; Would you mind repeating that, Mr. Kentridge. MR. KENTRIDGEi If you go and deliver the message to your friends that you are given, or have been given,then they will be well informed". BEKEE R J: And have you and the Crown come to an 10 agreement as to what was said in English? MR. KENTRIDGE: No, my lord. I think different people hear it in different ways. BEKKER J: Yes, thank you. MR. TRENGQVE: My lords, I ask permission to recall D/fegt. 15 Vlok. He gave evidence, my lord, as to a meeting on the Parade, Cape Town, on the 4th March, There is some uncertainty, my lords, as to whether or not he identified a certain speaker. I consulted my learned 20 friends for the Defence and they have no objection to the witness being recalled, subject to your lordships' approval. It refers to Exhibit document G.1080, the transcript of a tape recording of a meeting of the S,A. Congress of Trade Unions on The Parade, on the 4th March RUMPFE J: MR. TRENGQVE: led on the 2 RUMPFE 6th of J: this month. MR. TRENGQVE: And the evidence, my lord, was And I ask leave to call Sgt.Vlok. 30

22 8222. D/&GT. VLOK. RUMPFF J: D/SGT. VLOK (RECALLED) (JOHANNES HERMANU5 VLOK) S.S: XD. BY MR. TRENGOVE; Sgt. Vlok, you gave evidence about a meeting of the South African Congress of Trade Unions on the Parade at Cape Town on the 4th March, 1956? Do you recollect that? Yes, I do. You stated in your evidence that one of the people who spoke was a man by the name of Peter Beyleveld? Who spoke after a person by the name of C.Sibande? That is correct. Now this man, Peter Beyleveld, do you know him? I do. Do you know whether or not he was an accused in the Preparatory Examination? Yes, he was. Thank yoq. RUMPFF J; Any questions? MR.KENTRIDGE; No questions, my lord. EUMPFF J: Thank you. WYNAND JACOBUS WESSELS (under former oath) XD. BY MR. TRENGOVE (Contd.) Sgt. Wessels, I hand you a document marked G.402; would you look at the document and identify it if you can? What document is that? These are original notes made at a meeting held on 18/9A955. Where? I did not state on my notes where the meeting was held. It wasin Evaton. And do you know without referring to your notes

23 8205. D/SGT. WESSELS would you be able to say at this stage whether - under the auspices of which organisation this meeting was being held? No, I have to refer to my notes. Now these notes were made at the time of the meeting, is that correct? And you, to the best of your ability, took down what you recollect having happened at that meeting? Are you to-day in a position to state exactly what happened without referring to your notes? No. And, my lords, I ask that the witness he allowed to refresh his memory from his notes. RUMPFF Js MR. TRENGOVE; Now, would you have a look at your notes, Mr. Wessels, and could you tell his lordship who the first speaker was? The first speaker was Make. Now, you've already referred to Make this morning; tell the Court whether or not he is the same man? It is the same person. And before dealing with what he said, were there any other speakers at this meeting? Who else spoke? Molife. What Molife is that? Joseph Molife, one of the accused in this case. You identified him earlier this morning? And anybody else? Motsele. You referred to a Motsele earlier this morning? Can you say whether or not it is the same man? Could you tell their lordships from your notes if there were any other people at this meeting that you

24 V D/SGT. WESSELS knew? Kumalo was at this meeting. Bob Surtee... Just a minute. Kumalo, do you know whether or not he is the person who you referred to this morning? Yes, he is A Who else was there? Bob Surtee, that is another name of Mohamed Ismail he is well known by the name of Bob Surtee. Do you know whether this man Mohamed Asmail belonged to any organisation? He was a committee member of the Evaton Peoples Transport Council, and a member of the Transvaal Indian Congress. 10 And do you know whether or not he was an accused at the Preparatory Examination? Yes, he was. Who was the first speaker? Make. And what did he say? He said "Sons and Daughters of Africa, today the 8th week of our very successful 15 struggle. This struggle started against increased fares but other struggles came in and we experienced a lot of difficulties. We also learnt a lot. We, the working class, have shown the other classes that we are chosen to rule. We are the really oppressed ones and we are 20 the people who must guard our prople against further oppression. You all saw what happened here last Sunday. Basutos trying to break up the meeting. Police did not assist us. They took no action at all. Those Basutos had dangerous weapons but were not arrested. It was quite clear that the police were taking their part. That is provocative, but let us not be put off; let us continue with our successful struggle. We experienced a great difference when we arrived at the "Vereeniging Gaol, let us show these capitalists what we can do. let us show them 30

25 8225. D/SGT. WESSEIS that without us they cannot live. We are very united in the present struggle. Let us also be united in all our future struggles. In future we in Evaton will show everyone that we are a united community and we are not going to be ruled by thungs. The bus company is on the run and their actions now are like the kicks of a dying horse. You msut carry on the struggle as you have been doing in the past and in the same manner fight all other struggles. We must unite all over Africa and we must win. Long live our leaders, long live our fighters; unite and we will win." KENNEDY J: Mr. Trengove, what is the theme of this meeting? Is a continuation of the Bus Boycott or are there other themes? If so, can't they be summarised? Or must we listen to everything... MR. TRENGQVE; My lords, I led this introductory passage to show that the speaker starts off "This is a meeting in connection with the bus boycott". The rest of the meeting, my lords, becomes relevant for the Crown's purposes if the other passages of further speakers are put before Court. KENNEDY J: You want them in full? MR. TRENGOVE: No, my lords, not in full. I'll only be leading this witness on a few passages in this meeting, KENNEDY J; Yes, thank you. MR. TRENGOVEs The next speaker was? The next speaker was Molife. Now, will you have a look at your notes; he spoke about a certain Court action, is that correct? I want you to get to the end of his speech where he

26 8205. D/SGT. WESSELS talks of a meeting with Paulio & Co., the bus company, and he said he had an important message, right towards the end of his speech? Yes, Have you got that passage? "Last night we had another meeting with Paulio & Company, and I have a very important message for you. I will announce my message later in the morning as I consider this message as very dangerous. We have tolerated sell-outs in Evaton for a very long time. We are not going to tolerate it any longer. We will crucify them as indicated there - point to a cross erected on the square, a dummy was hanged on the cross." Could you just tell their lordships, do you recollect that incident? And what was present there when Molife referred to this? A cross was erected on the square and on to the cross was sacks - a dummymade of sacks, Do you know whether anything happened to that cross and dummy? At a later stage they put fire to that dummy. When you say at a later stage, a later stage when? At that meeting. And after Molife had spoken? Motsele was the next speaker. And what did he say? "Mr.Chairman and gathering, Afrika, Afrika, Afrika, the last time I was here I was very much inspired by your determination. Today I am more inspired and I am very glad to see such a large gathering. I am also very glad to see such a large number of Basutos here, and that is enough to prove that the Basutos are with you in your struggle. I am a Masuto and I will die as one. I am on the warpath today and I am also dressed

27 8227. D/SGT.WESSELS like one who is on the warpath. I am telling you that unless you are prepared to sacrifice blood, tears and sweat, you will never get freedom. Stand together, my people. The Walls of Babylon are cracking and are going to tumble over at any moment. Spies are, however, just as busy as we are. They are with us at this meeting and they watch us. Let them do their dirty work. Let them carry on with their ^jying on us. They will see the end - victory. Hyibuya. A frika." Can you recollect how he was dressed? Yes, he was dressed in a greenish colour lumber jacket made of cloth, the same type that was worn by soldiers during the second World War. He had boots on. Now, the speaker after that? Molife was the next speaker. And he starts off by saying "I promised to deliver a message about a meeting"; is that correct? And the theme of his speech is "The negotiations between the Evaton Peoples Transport Committee and the Bus Representatives of the Bus company? Now, would you turn to the end of his speech where he refers to bus 4? "Bus 4 Monday last stopped at house of Kekane, spilt petrol on doors and wanted to burn the house. The Jeep normally driven by Zimmerman was following the bus. No fire was set to the house. We are going to hunt up all the people who are against us; they will be dealt with as criminals of war are being dealt with. The pimp writing down everything we say here is also a man to be watched. He tells everything to the Government and the Government tells everything to the Italians." Was that the end of his speech? Yea

28 8205. D/SGT. WESSELS This reference to the pimp who was making notes at 1 this meeting, to whom did that refer? He referred to me. That concludes the evidence on this meeting, my lords. The next meeting, my lords, was a meeting on the 16th October, 1955, and it's dealt with in the Preparatory 5 Examination Record at page Mr^Wessels, I refer you to a document marked Exhibit G The last meeting, my lords, the one of the 18th September, 1955, that meeting is referred to in the Policy Schedule at page 38, the meeting of the 18th September, Mr.Wessels, you have lo before you a document marked G.4-03? Yes, I have. Can you identify the document? This document is notes, original notes taken at a meeting held on the 16th October, 1955, at Evaton. Who were the speakers at that meeting? The 15 speakers were Make, Kekane, Molife. That's all. Now, Mr. Wessels, could you, when you refer to people that you previously referred to, indicate to the Court whether or not they are the same people? Yes, I will do so. 20 This Make? Make is the same one referred to previously. And Molife? Molife is the same person referred to previously. Now, could you t ell the Court what Make said? 25 Make said "We are an oppressed nation and we do not care how many times we are locked up and prosecuted for our actions in our attempt to free our fellow Africans.This is a sort of revolution and I only hope that this will not be our ]a st struggle. We will carry on with our fight JQ

29 8229. D/SGT. WESSEIS. against oppression and until we have equality,creed,race, 1 colour, fight the enemies. After him who spoke? Kekane was the next speaker. And what did he say? "You all know that we are in the 13th week of our struggle. Some of you are under 5 the impression that we have won. We are still in the struggle. We must always be ready for war. The quizzlings are not sleeping, and we must stay wide awake. Before you go to bed at night you must ask yourself 'Have I done my share to-day; have I been a good citizen, have I been of 10 any assistance to the oppressed nation'?. Now would you omit the rest of his speeah, where there is a reference to the Native Affairs Department, The Bantu World, and turn to the last portion of his speech "You know my people have the strength of an 1 5 elephant"? Will you tell the Court what he said there? "You, my people, have the strength of an elephant. You just do not know it; you have the strength of buying buses and the strength to free yourselves from oppression. My 20 last message to you fellow Africans is that the time is already ripe and you must act". After that who was the next speaker? Molife was the next speaker, my lord. And just read the first few lines of his speech; 2 5 he talked about the Bantu World, is that correct? And the report about the Bantu Bus Company? And after that? "Besides the fact that we do ' not want the buses of those gentlemen here we found out that they are on the Government side. They support apartheid. 50

30 8205. D/SGT. WESSELS We of Evaton with our political consciousness do not agree with the aprtheid policy of the Government." Then the theme was the bus boycott and apartheid, is that correct? Now will you turn to page 5 of your notes? Is it still Molife's speech? And he says there, "I think it will be a very good idea", have you got that? Will you read from there? "I think it will be a very good idea that immediately after we are finished with Italians we start with the schools. Yes, my people, we must boycott them too. You, the workers, the armed supporters of anti-government laws, are the rulers of Evaton and we are going to see that Evaton will always be mentioned as the place of the first victory against oppression. The great revolutions of other countries have encouraged us. We are today students of revolution and we will free our country, the same way as other oppressed peoples free themselves from oppression " Then he refers to his attendance at the Queenetown Conference, is that correct? That is so. Of the Queenstown Conference? That is so. That concludes the evidence of that meeting, my lords. My lords, the next meeting is the meeting of the 6th November, 1955, dealt with at page 3665 of the Preparatory Examination record. Mr.Wessels, I hand you a document marked G.404,can you identify that document? These are notes I made at a meeting held at Jarra Square on Sunday 6th November Simultaneously with the meeting?

31 8219, D/SGT. WESSELS And do they correctly set forth, according to your impression, what happened at that meeting and what was said at the meeting? To-day have you any independent recollection of exactly what was said at this meeting? No. If you were to refer to your notes would you be able to refresh your memory? My lords, I ask for permission for the witness to refer to his notes, RUMPFF J: MR. TRENGOVE: Can you s ay under the auspices 10 of which organisation this meeting was held? It was held under the auspices of the Evaton Peoples Transport Council. And can you tell their lordships, according to your notes, who were present at this meeting that you knew? J.Molife, previously referred to, one of the accused ^ in this case; Mohamed Asmail, previously referred to and previously charged in this case; Tushwa who '.was an interpreter, not previously referred to, he is not one of the accused; Make, previously referred to and previously an accused in this case; S.M. Nadoo, previously referred 20 to and previously charged in this ease; previously mentioned, not an accused; John Mhlapo, not J.M. Kumalo, previously mentioned. You mentioned Kumalo previously 9 Yes, It's the same person? The same, yes 25 Now could you read what Molife said? "I welcome you all here...." He was the first speaker? He was the first speaker, yes. "I welcome you all here to a meeting of the Evaton Peoples Transport Council. As you all know 30

32 8232. D/SGrT. wessels the "boycott is still on Last week we buried two of our 1 soldiers, our gallant soldiers who were brutally butchered by a gangster gang - gangster group. They have done their share and today we take off our hats and say that they must rest in peace. We have told you many times that in our struggle we will lose soldiers and we will be locked up 5 in gaol, but we are not here to unnecessarily provoke other people, but we shall defend ourselves when we are attacked. On behalf of any company I wish to thank you all for the co-operation you gave us last Sunday during the burial of our two deceased soldiers. As you all see 10 most of our usual speakers are not here. They went to Kliptown to-day to organise the boycott there, and they will try and find out whether it is not possible to continue the boycott there in the shortest possible time. We are going to try all means to despise these Italians 15 bus companies until they are down. We are going to create a lot of difficulties for them. I end here with my opening rdmark and shall ask Mr. Asmail to address the meeting." Then Mr. Asmail addressed the meeting, 20 is that correct? And is the theme that he spoke in f avour of the boycott? And would you turn to the passage in his speech where he says "Hundreds of us have been arrested by the 25 police"? "Hundreds of us have been arrested by the police but we will not give in. We will continue the struggle from behind bars. Let us work day and night..." I can't make out a word here, my lords, "and meet our enemies on all fronts. They have hundreds of pounds 30 1

33 8233 I/SGT.WESSEIS to fight us, to oppress us, while on the other hand we, the 1 workers, have to live from hand to mouth. When there is victimisation there is nothing that can stop our oppressors, but as determined as they are so determined are we. We are now opening our fronts at Kliptown and other places. Our leaders have been invited to address the meetings. 5 They ere famous now. Yes, our struggle and the way in which we fought it and still fight it, is known all over Africa." After that the next speaker was a man named Zeeta, is that correct? 10 Will you omit what he said and the next speaker? The next speaker was Nathie Just before him did you make any note of anybody - -? The next speaker was Make. Previously referred to 9 15 Then after Make? After Make, Nathie was the next speaker. Is this the person you previously referred to? The same person? 20 He starts off by referring to the Boycott at Evaton, is that correct? Now, would you refer to the passage in his speech, just after he started - he spoke about Evaton and he says "It is my wish that South Africa become the most 25 talked of town in South Africa". Have you got that? No, I haven't... He talks about people who have never heard of Evaton, have you got that? RUMPFF J: Just tell him more or less where it 30

34 8237. D/SGT.WESSELS is, Mr. Trengove. MR. TRENGQVE; "He would like to see Evaton be placed on the World Map, people who've never heard of Evaton...? Yes I've got it now Will you refer to the portion of his speech where he says "I am proud that I surrounded myself...", have you got that?-- Read from there? "I am proud that I have associated myself with this struggle. This places the name of Evaton on the map. Today Evaton is on the lips of everybody, On the part 9,000,000 people are watching the struggle. They 10 have taken an example of our courageous effort. On the other hand Verwoerd and his followers have great headaches. They are breaking their heads to find out how the Evaton people are managing to withstand the onslaughts of the Italians and the police. Prom this platform I wish to u J give a message to Verwoerd. Let this detective take the message to his master. Just as we are determined to carry this struggle to a victorious end, so are the non-whites in Africa determined. They are determined to become free in this country of their birth, and in this year of the 20 Atom age when the peoples of the world are marching on to freedom " Then there's a reference to theme "March 2,000 women to the Union Buildings", is that correct? And the reaction of the Government?-- 25 Now, could you continue reading from his speech where he says "Just as those countries under the yoke of oppression"? Just before that, "I have no doubt in my mind that in my lifetime I'm going to be a free man in the country of my birth"; have you got that? Yes,I have. 30

35 8227. D/SGT.WESSELS Will you read from there to the end of his speech? "I am a free man in my country of birth. I have no doubts in my mind that in my lifetime I am going to be a free man in my country of birth, South Africa, just as those countries under the yoke of oppression fighting to become free, just the same way are we going to fight against oppression. When we look at all the work still to be done we notice that we still have a long way, but we will reach the end. Yes, we will reach the end, victory will be ours. At the end the people will be free. It is only when we are free then we will make our own laws. Such occasions as the present boycott will then not occur. You must make up your mind3 and fight to the bitter end, even if you have to pay the supreme sacrifice. Prom now on let us thinkonly of freedom; let us shout and speak only freedom, freedom, freedom. Afrika, Myibuya, Afrika." After that who spoke? J.M. Kumalo, the same Kumalo referred to previously. Did he speak in English? No, his speech was translated into English by Make, previously referred to. And he made reference to the death of two soldiers who were with them in the Boycott? That concludes the evidence of this meeting, my lords, except that there is one further exhibit that I wish to hand to this witness and ask him if he can identify it. G.405. Mr. Wessels, can you identify it? What is it? It is a special bulletin to the people of Kliptown, Modderfontein and Alexander Township; people of Evaton and Emmerdale have boycotted the Italians for fifteen weeks.

36 8205. D/SGT. WESSELS Do you know that circular 9 1 Where did you get it? I found it - it was given to me "by an unknown native. Where? At Jarra Square on the 6th November, on the same day of the last meeting of which I read my notes. 5 Now, can you tell their lordships this: you say this was given to you at Jarra Square?-- Where was the meeting being held? The meeting was held at Jarra Square. And in point of time, when did you get that? Before or after or during the meeting?-- It was before the meeting - these pamphlets were distributed amongst the persons present, My lords, this refers to the Bus Boycott issued by the Evaton Peoples Transport Commission and I refer ^ particularly to the second paragraph, second heading - "Terrorism in Evaton"- where it says "Ever since the Boycott began in Evaton.... have molested the people in a manner not unlike that of paid agents. These traitors use brutal force on people to force them into the buses, but the people resisted. The police have been partial spectators and referees during these dangerous and unlawful attacks on the people by hooligans. This is a very striking example of the unfair execution of justice in matters where the capitalists 25 are fighting the people. On Monday the 24th October the Evaton passengers service buses were forcefully reintroduced against the people's wish, and a group of hirelings attacked people in a march. During the attack two men were butchered to death by these thugs and seven

37 8237. D/SGT.WESSELS were injured. The police then seized all the dangerous 1 weapons which these thugs used and later returned the instruments to them. Despite the fact that we were attacked two of our men "butchered = even of us were arrested, and none of the thugs - Justice!" There are other portions too, my lords. I'm not reading those in. You hand in 5 G.405 v Mr. Vessels 9 Yes, my lords. My lords, the next meeting is a meeting dated the 13th November, 1955, referred to in the Preparatory Examination Record at page I hand the witness, my lords, a document marked G Can you identify this ^ document G.406, Mr. Wessels? Yes, these are notes made by me at the time of a meeting held at Lethuli Square, Evaton, on the 13th November, Did you record the names of people present and speakers and what they said? ^ At the time of the meeting? And did you to the best of your ability correctly record what they said? Have you an independent recollection to-day of exactly what was said by each of the speakers? No. 20 If you were to refer to your notes would you be able to tell the Court?-- I ask for permission to allow the witness to refer to his notes, my lords, RUMPFE: J. 25 MR. TRENGOYE: Now, Mr. Wessels, according to your notes could you tell their lordships who were amongst the people you saw at this meeting? Amongst these people were Molife, previously referred to, one of the accused; Make, the same Make as previously referred to; Nathie, 30

38 8238. D/SGT. ț vessels the same Nathie previously referred to; Kizwa (?); he was an interpreter, not previously referred to; Mothele, the same person previously referred to; Victoria Mahabane, not previously referred to; J.M, Kumalo, previously referred to; Do you know under the auspices of what organisation this meeting was being held 0 It was held under the auspices of the Evaton Peoples Transport Council. Who was the chairman of that meeting? The chairman was Make. And was he also the first speaker? Yes, Now will you omit what he said. Who was the next 10 speaker? The next speaker was J.M. Kumalo And could you tell their lordships what he said? Starting off "We of the Congress have been quiet"? "We of Congress have been quiet; now we are with the people in their struggle again in Evaton. We are politicians ^ and this struggle is now a political struggle. My message to Swart is that when we of the A.N.C. are arrested we will not pay our fines. We will serve our sentence. We did not wish to involve ourselves in politics in this struggle, but we are oppressed and we must use all sources 20 to fight this struggle. I think Long One instructed the Native Commissioner to prevent us from holding meetings. Afrika, Myibuya, Afrika." was Molife. And the next speaker? The next speaker 25 And did he introduce anybody* call upon anybody to speak? He called on Motsele to speak, previously referred to. And what did Motsele say? Motsele said, "Afrika, Afrika, Afrika" - his speech was interpreted into

39 8227. D/SGT.WESSELS English "by Tushwa. "Mr.Chairman, Sons and Daughters of Africa, even the Gods of Africa listen to us. I am reminded that at your gathering the other day you "buried two of your soldiers. Remember; I told you that in time to come prisons and other difficulties will meet you in your struggle for freedom. We also lost people. Europeans are troublemakers, even among themselves. fight is a fight of workers against capitalists. This We are forced "by the Government to boycott, to fight against oppression; like the Basutos who fight against you here in your present struggle, so is the Government; they are cowards. They attack you from the back. They can kill us as much as they want they will never kill our spirit and determination. We are forced to commit crimes. We commit it not knowing that we do so. We shall die and perish here but others will take our places. Like in other countries where people are also oppressed - their meetings are also banned.they are also forced into politics. In the Gold Coast area people are also prohibited from holding meetings; they are also oppressed; they are gaoled. We will also be gaoled in future, but we shall continue organising behind bars. One of these days all meetings will be banned here in Evaton by proclamation. The time has come that we will be a hundred percent against the Government. Yerwoerd and his big Ndaba, a big lie, and in a very big way. You all know Verwoerd's politics. He has only a few followers, a few uneducated illiterate fools. Africa will continue fighting against oppression until we have victory. We are waiting for PUTCO, Public Utility Transport Company, to increase their fares; we will meet them as

40 8227. D/SGT.WESSELS you have met the Italians here. I am telling you that we 1 will fight them with our hare fists. They will also have a whole police force to assist them, and we are going to deal with them in a proper way through our lawyers. We will not get tired of organising, we are used to hard work, we are slaves since our birth. We are hearing people in other countries asking whether South Africa is becoming a police state. I am telling you it is already a police state. Afrika, AfrikaJ" After that, who spoke?-- Molife. On the Bus Boycott, is that correct? 10 That, my lords, concludes the evidence on that meeting. The next meeting, my lords, is a meeting of the 29th January, 1956; it is referred to in the Preparatory Examination Record at page Mr. Wessels, can you tell their lordships what the attendance used to 15 be at these meetings? Approximately? The attendance approximately of non-europeans only- men and women - was between 50 and 1,000. It varied from time to time between 50 people and 1,000 people?-- 20 Now, my lords, I hand the witness Exhibit G.408. Mr.Wessels, can you identify that document? Yes, I can. What is it?_- These are notes made by me at a gathering held on Sunday 29th January, 1956, at the Lethuli Square, Evaton. Were these notes made at the meeting, at the time of the meeting? And have you an independent recolledtion to-day of exactly who was present at the meeting and 30

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