Women Prison Cell, Kroonstad

During apartheid, the Kroonstad Prison served the whole country. During apartheid, this prison was one of the main prisons for black female political prisoners who played active roles during the liberation struggle. It was the female equivalent of Robben Island. The women's prison cell was separated and isolated from other cells which housed inmates. In the 1960s, political activists were tortured by the implementation of solitary confinement, sleep deprivation, standing for long periods of time and repeated assaults. By the 1970s, forms of torture became more violent. Famous female politicians incarcerated at this prison included Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Dorothy Nyembe and Thandi Modise. Dorothy and Winnie were charged under the Suppression of Communism Act of 1950. In 1970, after initially being found guilty in the famous "Trial of 22", Winnie was discharged on appeal. Winnie and Dorothy were imprisoned in Kroonstad until September 1975.