U.K. Inquires Into Kidnap Charge

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30216, 22 August 1963, Page 13

U.K. Inquires Into Kidnap Charge

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) JOHANNESBURG, August 21. A Note from the British Embassy in Pretoria to the South African Government last evening requested all possible information about the movement of Dr. Kenneth Abrahams out of Bechuanaland, according to the “Rand Daily Mail.” Dr. Abrahams alleges he was kidnapped at gunpoint in Bechuanaland on August 11 by six white men, including members of the South African police.

Dr. Abrahams, a coloured (mixed race) doctor, was brought back to South Africa after reaching the British protectorate of Bechuanaland as a political refugee. The London newspapers, the “Daily Mail” and the “Daily Herald,” today demanded urgent British examination of the case. The “Daily Mail” complained: “Though the incident happened 10 days ago. no proper report seems to have been made to the Colonial Office, who profess to be as much in the dark as anyone. Challenge to Sandy. “It is about time they did something—and quickly. If the House (of Commons) were sitting, a statement would have been made by now. The public are equally entitled to be informed.” The “Daily Herald” commented that the case “is a challenge which Mr Duncan Sandys, Commonwealth and Colonial Secretary, must face urgently. “Dr. Abrahams, now fighting for his liberty in the South African courts, declares that he and three other refugees were kidnapped at gunpoint deep inside the British Protectorate of Beehuanaland, where they had been given sanctuary. “Six men, he says, took part in the snatch, “Two of them later put on South African police uniforms. “There is strong reason to believe that this is yet an-

other example of lawless methods by Verwoerd’s police. “Dr. Abrahams is in a South African gaol. Inquiries in Bechuanaland are going on. “But the real question is: What are tine British Government going to do to compel Verwoerd to return his captive and respect British territory in future? “So far the British Government have shown a weak tendency to appease Verwoerd when he threatens the African Protectorate. There must be no appeasement tills time. “Britain is as fully responsible for the safety of refugees in Bechuanaland as if they were in England. “The Government must not only secure the prisoners' freedom but guarantee the protectorates against any further gangsterism,” the “Daily Herald” added. Writ of Habeas In Cape Town the South African Supreme Court granted Dr. Abrahams' petition for a habeas corpus writ, and ordered that he be brought before ttie Court on September 5. Mr Justice Diemont ruled that Dr. Abrahams had made out a prima facie case “for relief.” He also ordered South Africa’s Minister of Justice (Mr Balthazar Vorster) to show cause why Dr. Abrahams should not be released. The South African authorities said Dr. Abrahams was being held in gaol while police investigated allegations of sabotage. Dr. Abrahams alleges he was arrested 100 miles inside

the border of the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland. The British Embassy in Pretoria has sent a dossier on the case to the Foreign Office. The Judge said witnesses might have to be called from South-west Africa. Dr. Abrahams’ three companions should also be brought before the Court, he said. He added that in papers before the Court Dr. Abrahams said he had told the police at every available opportunity the circumstances of his abduction but his protests had been ignored.