By Dorothy Flynn
Mzwakhe Mbuli, the "people's poet of South Africa", faces new charges of robbery and shooting on the eve of an appeal. Mbuli's supporters have denounced the new charges as a further frame-up designed to silence the respected cultural activist.
Mbuli has been told that the charge is in connection with the robbing and shooting of a businessman at a shopping centre. However, the prosecutor told a Sunday World reporter that Mbuli is being charged with robbing the Bank of Lisbon and shooting a security guard.
The charges coincide with the second anniversary of Mbuli's arrest for a bank robbery, for which he was convicted seven months ago. It is widely expected that Mbuli's appeal against that conviction will soon be successful. The sudden discovery of more "crimes" has left his supporters stunned and angry.
Mbuli was recently moved from the notorious Pretoria Maximum Security Prison to Leeukop Maximum Security Prison. The old habits of the apartheid era have not yet died; police still set dogs on black suspects, who arrive at the jail with teeth marks. Earlier this year, the BBC filmed such an incident, corroborating what Mbuli had reported from inside prison. Mbuli was beaten by police when he complained that his handcuffs were too tight.
The restrictions placed on Mbuli have been more severe than on any other prisoner, despite his having no prior criminal record, only distinguished participation in the anti-apartheid struggle.
Prisoners deemed so dangerous that they are segregated receive mail and regular visitors, yet Mbuli was allowed just one item of mail, one phone call and one visitor each month. The poet who worked so hard for so long to see an African National Congress government in power was put in the hard labour division.
Mbuli drew attention to the deplorable conditions at Pretoria Maximum Security Prison (and at the Pretoria Central Prison, where he was previously). He boosted the morale of other prisoners, who, along with millions of other South Africans, consider Mbuli a national hero and role model.
Upon his transfer to Leeukop, Mbuli wasted no time in attempting to improve conditions there. He is busy directing choirs and organising martial arts classes (Mbuli has a black belt in karate).
Mbuli relies on support from around the world to win his release. Readers may offer support and learn more about his situation by visiting the "Free Mzwakhe Mbuli" web site at <http://www.mzwakhe.org>, where there is an on-line petition calling for his release.
At Leeukop, Mbuli can receive mail. Readers can write to him at: Mzwakhe Mbuli, Leeukop Command Post, Maximum Security Prison, Private Mail Bag x2, Bryanston 2021, South Africa. It is also possible to send him an e-mail via the Campaign for Release of Mzwakhe Mbuli at <mzwakhe.mbuli@webmai.co.za.org>. To reach the campaign organisers, e-mail <campaign@mzwakhe.org> or write to PO Box 390058, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA.
Protest letters to South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki can be sent to <president@anc.org.za>, with copies to Amnesty International at <amnestyis@amnesty.org>.
Mbuli's new album, Born Free But Always in Chains, features four new tracks recorded in prison, as well as some of his greatest hits. It can be ordered from <http://mzone.mweb.co.za/residents/mweb3541/mzwakhe.htm>. All proceeds help support Mbuli's family.