Johannesburg - The trial of Tony Yengeni and 13 others ended 30 years ago - the prosecution gave up. It was dubbed “the Rainbow Trial” because the triallists represented the broad spectrum of South African society.
Or it could have murdered them during their detention as it did Steven Biko, Neil Aggett, Ahmed Timol and scores more. The triallists proved this, politically exploiting the space for self expression provided to them by the court proceedings. Apartheid laws and security forces would have worked to suppress them everywhere else in South Africa.Ironically, they were charged with endeavouring to overthrow the apartheid government in furtherance of the ANC's aims and objectives.
It was the regime who stood accused of treason by the people and the triallists who enjoyed their mandate. Benzien had been unleashed by his superiors. He suffocated Yengeni with a wet bag placed over his head, and pulled tight, until his prisoner became unconscious. This continued until satisfactory answers were provided.