Terrorism Act No 83 of 1967

The Terrorism Act No 83 of 1967 was a law of the South African Apartheid regime until all except section 7 was repealed under the Internal Security and Intimidation Amendment Act 138 of 1991.

Detention without trial

Section 6 of the Act allowed someone suspected of involvement in terrorism - which was very broadly defined as anything that might "endanger the maintenance of law and order" - to be detained for an indefinate period without trial on the authority of a senior police officer. Since there was no requirement to release information on who was being held, people subject to the Act tended to disappear.

Related Topics:
Terrorism - Trial - Police

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The death of Steve Biko in police custody in 1977, while being detained under the Act, was a particular cause célèbre. It is estimated that approximately 80 people died while being detained under the Act http://www.dispatch.co.za/1999/12/17/editoria/SNAPS.HTM.

Related Topics:
Steve Biko - 1977 - Cause célèbre

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~