18 political prisoners are released from Bophuthatswana

On 17 October 1991, 18 political prisoners were released from Bophuthatswana (now known as North West Province). Initially Bophuthatswana government officials announced that they were releasing about 20 political prisoners but it was later stated that political prisoners on hunger strike would not be set free. Among those on hunger strike was Johannes Simelane who was on hunger strike for 61 days, and was released two days later. Johannes ‘Bushy’ Molefe was allegedly assaulted by a prison warder after he was found wearing a T-shirt calling for the release of Johannes Simelane. On 15 October 1991, Rabusang Mannana, a political prisoner, died of an unknown disease after he was allegedly refused proper medical care by prison officials. Their release came after the African National Congress(ANC) restated that amongst its fundamental preconditions for negotiation with the South African government was the unconditional release of political prisoners.