Question

In 1960, South African police killed 69 peaceful protesters and wounded many in Sharpeville. This angered people and resulted in armed struggle. Nelson Mandela helped organise a paramilitary subgroup of the ANC in 1960. He was arrested in 1963 and tried for treason. What does treason mean?

• A. Treason is the abduction of people belonging to the white race.
• B. Treason is the offence of attempting to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance.
• C. Treason is the offence of initiating a mass mobilisation against the policies of racial segregation.
• D. Treason is the exercising of the right to form associations to protest against injustice.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Treason is the offence of attempting to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance.

Treason is the offence of attempting to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance. Nelson Mandela and the others were tried for treason, found guilty, and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964. He was sent to South Africa’s most dreaded prison, Robben Island, where he was imprisoned for 28 years.