The first political prisoners to be placed on the Island were Autshumato, the leader of the “Strandlopers” Khoikhoi and two of his companions Jan Cou and Boubo. This happened on the 10 July 1658. This indicates the use of the Island, for political prisoners dates back to the time of the Dutch settlement at the Cape. The imprisonment of Autshumato and his companions was an effort to prevent dissent between the Khoikhoi and the Dutch.