“Apartheid’s violence embodied” that’s how Jessie Duarte described John Vorster Square. We are standing before a building of stark history. This is John Vorster Square 1971-1990, a place synonymous with oppression. This place reminds us of a darker time in South Africa.
John Vorster Square officially opened on August 23 1968. This was during the height of apartheid. The building was named after John Vorster, an apartheid leader. Between 1968 and 1997, this austere building became a site of human rights violations. Interrogations and torture were common. Eight detainees died here.
The ninth and tenth floors gained particular infamy. The lift only went to the ninth floor. Prisoners had to walk the final flight of stairs. Here, the Security Branch held opponents of apartheid. They were detained without trial for days or months. They had no contact with family or lawyers.
Ahmed Timol’s death in October 1971 was the first recorded here. Security Police claimed he jumped from the tenth floor. Conflicting accounts suggest he fell while being tortured. He may have been dangled out of a window.
The South African state introduced measures allowing detention without trial. In 1963, police could hold detainees for ninety days. There was no contact with family doctors or lawyers. By 1965, this extended to one hundred and eighty days. In 1967, indefinite detention became legal through Section Six of the Terrorism Act.
Political prisoners faced terrible conditions. Torture methods included sleep deprivation. Detainees were forced to stand for hours. Some were electrocuted. The goal was to break their spirit.
Matthew Mojo Mabelane died on February 15 1977. He fell from the tenth floor. There is still mystery surrounding his death. Many believe it was foul play.
In September 1997, John Vorster Square was renamed Johannesburg Central Prison. The bust of John Vorster was removed. This was an attempt to erase the legacy of apartheid-era brutality.
The Sunday Times Heritage Project documented the history of John Vorster Square. It features interviews with former detainees and security police. The project also includes photographs and archival materials.
Kagiso Pat Mautloa created an artwork called “Simakade.” It stands at the Johannesburg Central Police Station. The artwork features a rock bound in wire on a concrete plinth. It symbolizes struggle and resilience.
Despite its dark history, John Vorster Square plays a vital role. It reminds us of the human rights abuses made possible by unjust laws. The suffering of detainees has been memorialized.
Today, the building houses government departments. It serves as a reminder of the past. It stands as a testament to those who fought against tyranny. The story of John Vorster Square is a powerful lesson. We must never forget the cost of freedom. We must always fight for justice.