JUNE 14, 1985 APARTHEID REGIME TERRORIST RAID ON GABORONE REMEMBERED @ MAITISONG

Today this author will join others for the Dramatic Scholars and Backyard Stories  theatre production "Dikgang tsa Bogolo", which will recall the tragic events that occurred during the night of June 14, 1985 when Gaborone was traumatised by the murderous rampage of Apartheid regime forces.

Background: Gaborone’s Night Of Infamy

In the early hours of the morning residents throughout Gaborone were awaked by the sound of gunfire and explosions, as neighbours, friends, and acquaintances were murdered. South African Defence Force Troops (SADF), under the command of General Constand Viljoen, had launched a night-time attack on what they claimed were “terrorists” throughout Gaborone. At the time, anti-apartheid groups, including the African National Congress (ANC), used Botswana as a place of refuge. Twelve people were killed in the attack: eight South Africans, two Botswana nationals, a Dutch Somali, and a Lesotho citizen. The ANC claimed that only five of the slain had links with the organisation. A number of other people were wounded.

This author will always remember the terror of hearing what in the light of morning was revealed to have been the murder of George and Lindie Phale, who lived up the street, or the sadness of seeing a wounded Mrs Geer still in shock at the death of her husband, Ahmed.

It was later revealed that the Apartheid Regime’s true targets were members of the MEDU Art Ensemble, an Umkhonto we Sizwe-associated trust that was then providing resistance art for the United Democratic Front inside South Africa. The raiders killed two of its members—resident artist Thamsanqa (“Thami”) Mnyele and MEDU treasurer (and UB student) Mike Hamlyn—and they destroyed the house of MEDU head Tim Williams, who had moved out recently.

The SADF had reportedly readied around 50 tanks, along with helicopters and jet fighters, in Zeerust for use if Botswana retaliated. On 17 June 1985, the Government of Botswana sent a letter to the President of the United Nations Security Council asking for help to deal with the raid, which was followed up by a presentation by Botswana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gaositwe Chiepe. UN Resolution 568 was drafted on 21 June 1985, ordering South Africa to pay Botswana for damages, reaffirming Botswana's responsibility to house refugees while encouraging other countries to help Botswana and condemning South Africa.

Source: @Ramsey