Ntwaagae Seleka
Ntwaagae Seleka
Although the Sharpeville massacre took place 48 years ago, for some its memory will never fade.
Ziphora Maleho, 75, a victim and survivor of the Sharpeville killings, says she will never forget what happened that day.
Maleho was 27 years old on March 21 1960 and three months pregnant.
"We were opposed to carrying the dompas and to the apartheid laws.
"We were a large number of people when we went to the police station. The police ordered us to disperse and we refused," she said.
She saw a large number of police officers arrive and at about 2pm the police opened fire.
"I saw people falling. I ran and fell near the police station. I was shot in my right leg," she said weeping.
Maleho heard people screaming for help, while others lay dead or dying.
"After a while it rained heavily and blood flowed everywhere."
She says she is angered by the racism in the country.
"Don't they know that we risked our lives for freedom?"
Selina Phali, 59, was returning home from school when she joined the protesters. "I saw three helicopters flying overhead. Suddenly the police opened fire."
She escaped unhurt.
"That day still haunts me because every time I hear a helicopter those bitter memories flood back," said Phali.
'Blood flowed all over'
Ntwaagae Seleka
Ntwaagae Seleka
Although the Sharpeville massacre took place 48 years ago, for some its memory will never fade.
Ziphora Maleho, 75, a victim and survivor of the Sharpeville killings, says she will never forget what happened that day.
Maleho was 27 years old on March 21 1960 and three months pregnant.
"We were opposed to carrying the dompas and to the apartheid laws.
"We were a large number of people when we went to the police station. The police ordered us to disperse and we refused," she said.
She saw a large number of police officers arrive and at about 2pm the police opened fire.
"I saw people falling. I ran and fell near the police station. I was shot in my right leg," she said weeping.
Maleho heard people screaming for help, while others lay dead or dying.
"After a while it rained heavily and blood flowed everywhere."
She says she is angered by the racism in the country.
"Don't they know that we risked our lives for freedom?"
Selina Phali, 59, was returning home from school when she joined the protesters. "I saw three helicopters flying overhead. Suddenly the police opened fire."
She escaped unhurt.
"That day still haunts me because every time I hear a helicopter those bitter memories flood back," said Phali.
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