South African artist Mzwakhe Mbuli incarcerated in Pretoria
Ms ikati
Poet/performance artist Mzwakhe Mbuli, who has been so important in the cause
for freedom in South Africa is now detained in Pretoria Local Prison. This
highly successful artist has mysteriously been jailed in connection with a bank
robbery and has been awaiting trial for almost a year. I believe it is likely
that this internationally recognized artist who fearlessly used his poetry and
music to spread news locally and internationally on the need to overthrow the
apartheid regime is innocent. It is highly possible that he was incriminated
because he had indicated his intent to speak out on an unfortunate situation of
corruption of some South African police.
People can obtain his CDs internationally. Among them a new gospel CD he
recorded in 1997. Also a number of others combining his poetry and jazz.
Outspoken during the apartheid era and afterward, as a Zulu-speaker who
vociferously opposed Buthelezi his risk of danger didn't end with the end of
apartheid. His CD "Kwazulu Natal" on which he spoke about the violent and
chaotic situation in that province was very controversial. An assassination
attempt was apparently made against him in 1996 when nine bullets were fired
into his BMW. His criticism of injustice and corruption, which has been the
trademark of his artistic efforts, has kept him continually at risk.
In 1997, prior to the arrest for which he has been since detained, reports
indicated progress on the investigation of the attempt to assassinate him had
been minimal. Mbuli said he had obtained information of corrupt links between
South African and Swazi police around drug traffic. He had indicated that he
would take the information to the South African President's Office. He is well
known to the President whose cause he championed during his imprisonment. At
the President's request Mbuli performed a beautiful praise poem for his
inaugural which was of course seen internationally. He was scheduled to
perform at a large anti-drug rally and had indicated that he would reveal
information about the corruption between South African and Swazi police
regarding drug traffic at that rally.
Meanwhile, it was reported that he received word of news regarding the attempt
on his life and was told to go to Pretoria. After he got there, he was
implicated in a bank robbery. A pistol which he was legally able to own was
found connected to the robbery. Other munitions such as grenades of which he
said he had no knowledge were found in his car. He was refused the right to
remain at a police holding area, and he has been denied bail twice. He was for
some time held at Pretoria Maximum Security Prison, reported by South African
press at one point to be held in a jail with more than fifty other persons,
with one nonworking toilet. This in the new South Africa, for a renowned
artist who has not been proven guilty of any crime, and who has routinely
risked his life for the cause of freedom and justice, regardless of the
consequences. As a Zulu-speaking man who openly defied Buthelezi of course he
has had even more reason to feel the need to protect himself. Now it seems he
may have reason to fear some members of the very regime he fought to bring to
power.
I am by the way an American who has supported the anti-apartheid movement and
the ANC for many years. I do not post this in opposition in any way to the ANC
whose cause is righteous. But unfortunately, injustice in general and
corruption in police forces in particular, can exist anywhere. I have been very
moved by Mzwakhe Mbuli's work and consequently feel the need to tell others
about this situation.
If anyone knows how I might contact him please let me know.
I encourage people who have access to media, particularly radio, to play his
work and to spread the word regarding his incarceration.
Thank you.