Queenstown Station

In 1962 Poqo members were deployed from Cape Town to the African rural areas. Their analysis was that African people were oppressed by the white government, and that Tribal Authorities had been established as a barrier to protect the whites. It was therefore necessary to take action, more especially as Poqo suspects were being detained and beaten at Qamata. The first group got through and camped at Ntlonze Mountain. The train carrying the second group was deliberately delayed at Stormberg junction, so that when it arrived at Queenstown, the police were waiting for them. They demanded passes from the passengers, but the Poqo members carried no passes and resisted the police. This was the very first time that the power of the white state was openly and publicly challenged in Queenstown. Three Poqo members were killed on the spot. Others were arrested and sentenced to lengthy terms of imprisonment on Robben Island. Mtutu Aplini and Bhozwana were sentenced to death and executed.