Now you know how Mapetla Mohapi died
By Jojokhala Mei
Tuesday 5th August saw online ‘Mapetla Mohapi and George Jackson Memorial lecture’ delivered by Professor Itumeleng commemorating the explosive first murder in police detention of a Black Consciousness anti- apartheid activist, Mapetla Mohapi, with special family remarks by Mohapi’s elder daughter Motheba Mohapi (pictured}.
And the book titled Now You Know How Mapetla Mohapi Died: The Story Of A Black Consciousness Martyr, by Zikhona Valel,a says it all about the stealth and cover-ups surrounding the 17 July 1976 murder in the Kei bridge police cells of the Eastern Cape Province. At best the police produced a forged suicide note. During the virtual event Black Consciousness Movement United president, Dr Hlulani Mabasa, also expressed ‘regret for the movements past failures and calling for renewed commitments.’
Mapetla was born and grew up in the province’s northernmost district bordering Lesotho, now called Sterkspruit. Yesterday he was described as ‘a dedicated revolutionary leader who helped comrades cross borders during the apartheid era.’
On a lighter note, now you know he was also called Mapetla Frank Mohapi., and the book by a woman this Women’s Month, is published by NB Publishers.