Namibian Political Prisoners OVERVIEW

During the period that South African’s were fighting their struggle against the Apartheid rule; the Namibians were fighting against the illegal occupation of their country by the very same South African Apartheid government.

NAMIBIAN POLITICAL PRISONERS

1966 - 1990

The Namibian liberation organisation fighting for independence, was called the South West African People’s Organisation (SWAPO). The 26th August 1966 marked the first armed attack SWAPO launched against the South African Defence Force. This day, now recognised by the United Nations as Namibia Day, is referred to as “Heroes’ Day” by Namibians. The Namibian War of Independence ended in 1988 when the New York Accords were signed. However, Namibia only became independent 2 years later when it held its elections on the 21st March 1990. SWAPO won this election with an overwhelming majority of 55 out of 72 seats. They thus formed the Namibian National Government. While under South African occupation, Namibia was called South West Africa.

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NAMIBIAN POLITICAL PRISONERS

1968 - 1979

On the 9th February 1968 a significant number of SWAPO members involved in the Namibian War of Independence, were arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment. They were sent to the Robben Island soon after sentencing, and were held in the Zinc Tronk. This prison had previously accommodated people suffering from TB and other easily transmittable diseases. Being one of the unhealthiest sections of the Island to be held in, some of the prisoners detained there contracted TB and developed Asthma. Eventually, in 1972, after persistent protest actions, the Namibian prisoners were moved to the solitary confinement cells in the Maximum Security Prison (MSP). In 1976 they were moved to the D section of the general sections of the MSP; except for their leader Herman Andimba Toivo ya Toivo. He remained in the B-section with other leaders like (former President) Nelson Mandela. A total of 6 SWAPO prisoners were sent to Robben Island between 1968 and 1979.

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NAMIBIAN POLITICAL PRISONERS

1984 - 1989

All the Namibian political prisoners were released in 1984. Herman Toivo ya Toivo was the first SWAPO prisoner to be released on the 29 February 1984. He had served 16 years of his 20 year sentence on the Island. He was given remission; an unconditional release and promised that he would not be victimised. Despite the nature of his release, Toiva refused to leave the Prison until his fellow comrades were freed. He eventually left when he was threatened with dogs and forced removal from the prison. A further 15 prisoners were released on the 6th of May 1984.

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Namibian Political Prisoners OVERVIEW

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