PQ:
Our first witness -- Brian. Your family was attacked by members of the ANC. Can you tell us how this happened?
BRIAN:
Our family took residence near a South African military establishment, which came under attack by ANC guerilla forces. We chose to flee our home, and it was then that the guerillas took interest in my family. Shots were fired in our direction and my wife, was shot several times. Fortunately, it was not fatal and they failed to stop our vehicle, so we escaped.
DQ:
No questions.
PQ:
Next witness, Jeff the military leader. As a high ranking military officer, have you ever witnessed acts of misconduct by the ANC?
JEFF:
Yes, On March 21, 1960 I witnessed the ANC and the Pan African Congress rioting in the streets and creating a public saftey debacle. This culminated in the unfortunate loss of many lives.
PQ:
What actions triggered these riots?
JEFF:
They were protesting long standing, government laws concerning poll taxes and the prohibition of blacks from entering white areas.
PQ:
We have no more questions for this witness.
DQ:
Is it not true that the ANC tried other forms of protest before the riot?
JEFF:
When I arrived the mass riots and public misconduct were occurring in a widespread manner.
DQ:
You are not answering the question. Remember you are under oath.
JEFF:
I remember that I am under oath, do you have another question? As a militay offical, I have a country to protect, and must be going.
DQ:
Judges, request that Jeff be put into contempt of court. And request that this witness' accounts be stricken from the court's records.
BENCH:
The witness will take the stand and answer the question directly or be held in contempt of court.
DQ:
Did the ANC try multiple other forms of peaceful protest before being forced to take necesary action?
JEFF:
Yes, I belive that they did try other forms of protest, however, that is no excuse for rioting.
PQ:
My next witness is Matt, an ex-guerilla soldier who belonged to the ANC for 8 years. Why did you leave the ANC?
MATT:
I felt it was time to move on. The ANC had become too violent and its methods of getting our beliefs across were misdirected. The riots were unecessary and the violent protests went too far.
I think if we want to stand up for our rights there are better methods that are more successful and influential.
PQ:
What is your ethnic background?
MATT:
I am Colored.
PQ:
Do feel any hatred or distrust toward whites and/or blacks?
MATT:
No. I just want everyone to enjoy equal rights.
DQ:
In your 8 years with the ANC, did the peaceful and "better methods" used achieve any progress?
MATT:
No.
DQ:
Then how are these methods better?
MATT:
Peaceful methods are always better than violent ones.
DQ:
Even if they don't work?
MATT:
Yes. I don't think there is ever a need for violence.
DQ:
Thank you, you may step down.
DQ:
We are calling Nelson Mandela as a defense witness. Why do you feel that your actions are justified?
NM:
I feel my actions are justified because we tried everything. Since the African National Congress began in 1912, we have evolved from attempting peaceful protests and demonstrations, to writing letters and petitions, to finally, out of frustration with failure, we decided to take action. Our people were not represented by the government and we needed to do something about that.
PQ:
So you do admit commiting violent acts against the government?
NM:
I do not admit to committing violence, I only admit to sticking up for my beliefs.
PQ:
Then what action did you take?
NM:
If you were not aware, the African National Congress only stuck up for what they believed in, and we are being punished for that. We protested for our rights.
PQ:
Could you please state the action that you took "out of frustration".
NM:
The African National Congress protested the unequal legislation and the apartheid rule.
PQ:
No further questions.
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