Leader missing in S. Africa

Press, 23 June 1978, Page 18

Leader missing in S. Africa

The Christchurch Young Christian Workers’ Movement has written to the South African Consul-Gen-eral (Mr P. R. Lindhorst) asking what has become of the movements South African leader. On May 9. the Johannesburg “Rand Daily Mail” reported that Mr S. P. Magane. the national president of the Young Christian Workers' Movement. had been detained under section *> of the Terrorist Act, said the movement’s Christchurch spokesman (Mr M. Walsh). “The movement is gravely concerned about his welfare, as nothing has been heard of him since his detention. Under the Terrorist Act. the police frequently divulge neither reasons for arrest nori whereabouts of the detainee,” he said. Mr Magane was an active, leader in the group which had a membership of black, white and Coloured workers. Two vears ago he was consultant to the Bishops' Conference in South Africa. “With the recent death of Steve Biko clearly ii mind, the movement has mounted an international solidarity campaign to press for the release of Mr Magane, and* all those in prison in South Africa for their beliefs.” Mr Walsh said.