Terrorism Act, 1967

The Terrorism Act No 83 of 1967 was a law of the South African Apartheid regime until all except section 7 was repealed under the Internal Security and Intimidation Amendment Act 138 of 1991.

Terrorism Act, 1967
Parliament of South Africa
  • Act to prohibit terroristic activities and to amend the law relating to criminal procedure; and to provide for other incidental matters.
CitationAct No. 83 of 1967
Enacted byParliament of South Africa
Assented to12 June 1967
Commenced21 June 1967 (deemed retroactive to 27 June 1962)
Repealed2 July 1982
Administered byMinister of Justice
Repealed by
Internal Security Act, 1982
Status: Repealed

Detention without trial

Section 6 of the Act allowed someone suspected of involvement in terrorism—which was very broadly defined as anything that might "endanger the maintenance of law and order"—to be detained for a 60-day period (which could be renewed) without trial on the authority of a senior police officer. Since there was no requirement to release information on who was being held, people subject to the Act tended to disappear.

The death of Steve Biko in police custody in 1977, while being detained under the Act, was a particular cause célèbre. It is estimated that approximately 80 people died while being detained under the Act.[1]

Other provisions

Other provisions of the Act included the founding of the Bureau of State Security.

References
  1. "DispatchLIVE".


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