WORLD : S. Africa Orders Mandela Ally Sisulu Released From Prison
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — President Frederik W. de Klerk today ordered the unconditional release of anti-apartheid fighter Walter Sisulu, former African National Congress secretary-general who was sentenced to life imprisonment with Nelson Mandela in 1964, state-run television reported.
The release order covered a total of eight prisoners, among them Sisulu and five activists who were sentenced to life imprisonment on June 12, 1964, for plotting the overthrow of minority white rule, leaving only Mandela still imprisoned in connection with the case, according to the announcement.
The statement broadcast on the evening news said Mandela had been “fully apprised of the proposed release. Discussions had been held with him and he confirmed that his own release was not now on the agenda.”
De Klerk was quoted as saying the eight prisoners would be released “as soon as the necessary formalities could be dealt with” and that those “could take some time.”
Government sources had said earlier that South Africa had decided to release Sisulu before a summit of Commonwealth leaders starting Oct. 18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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