Mzwakhe Mbuli is sentenced to 13 years in jail

Mzwakhe Mbuli became known as the "people's poet" as a result of the style and content of his poetry. He covered issues like drugs and Apartheid and the former government banned his work, forcing him to retreat from public life. Mbuli was honoured by being asked to introduce former President Nelson Mandela at his inauguration in 1994. It has been suggested that Mbuli's life came under threat several times as a result of his outspoken campaigning. Attempts were allegedly made to murder him in 1996 and he believes that, after complaining about the police's lack of action regarding the issue, he was tricked into going to Pretoria in 1997 to get information about the assassination attempt with the aim to frame him for armed robbery. Mbuli says that, on his arrival in Pretoria, someone put a bag filled with weapons in his car after which he and his two friends were immediately arrested for the robbery of a bank. Many people supported Mbuli throughout this, visiting him in prison and filling the court at his trial. His hearing was surrounded with spectacle as one of the arresting officers committed suicide, a bomb threat was made at the court and the case was postponed for 6 months due to a World Cup soccer match. Famous supporters also rallied in support with Brenda Fassie and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela proclaiming his innocence. Despite the fact that he had no criminal record and was a national icon Mbuli was denied bail, and awaited trial for 1½ years. Mbuli's imprisonment brought attention to the horrible conditions in South African prisons. Helen Suzman, legendary activist and Parliamentarian visited him often and expressed public concern at the conditions all prisoners had to live in. During the trial evidence was presented that Mbuli had not been present at the scene of the crime, but he had been recognised in an identity parade. He was convicted to 13 years in prison, but still proclaims his innocence. Sources: Wallis, F. (2000). Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000 jaar, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau