MK hero cadre Solomon Kalushi (Khala) Mahlangu is executed

Solomon Kalushi (Khala)  Mahlangu was executed by the Apartheid regime for being part of an abortive attempt by African National Congress (ANC) members to smuggle weapons and literature into the country. Mahlangu had joined the ANC in September 1976, and left the country to be trained as an Umkhonto We Sizwe soldier. On 11 June 1977 Mahlangu and others returned to South Africa, determined to assist in the struggle against Apartheid. On the 13 June 1977, Mahlangu and others were accosted by police in Johannesburg, and in the ensuing gun battle, Mahlangu and one of his companions Mondy Johannes Motloung were arrested. In this battle, two civilians were killed and two wounded. Mahlangu was tried in court and pleaded not guilty to all charges laid against him. Even though the judge accepted that Mahlangu did not commit the killings, he was charged with sharing the common purpose of the group.  Mahlangu was then sentenced to death. In addition, Motloung was so badly beaten in detention, that he suffered extensive brain damage and was judged unfit to stand trial.  In spite of  numerous appeals by Mahlangu and extensive protest abroad, Mahlangu's sentence was upheld and on 6 April 1979, he was executed. References: Sonderling, N.E. (ed.) New Dictionary of South African Biography, v.2, Pretoria: Vista.) The Road to Democracy in South Africa, (2006), Volume 2, South Africa: Unisa Press Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu (online), available at: sahistory.org.za [Accessed 29 March 2010]