South African Treason Trial of 1956-61

“When we arrived, we discovered that the State had erected an enormous wire cage for us to sit in. It was made of diamond-mesh wire, attached to poles and scaffolding with a grill at the front and top. We were led inside and sat on Benches, surrounded by 16 Armed Guards.” — Nelson Mandela, “Long Walk to Freedom”

In December, 1956, police all over South Africa arrested the people who were to be the 156 accused in the Treason Trial. They were brought to Johannesburg and held in the Fort.