In 1958 Chief Luthuli was invited by a Discussion Group consisting among others of Pretoria University students to address a meeting in Pretoria. The scheduled meeting had received considerable publicity as it was probably the first time that a black man was to address a white gathering in Pretoria. The meeting was packed by young Nat hooligans and when Chief was called upon to deliver his address pandemonium broke loose. There was shouting and booing, missiles were hurled adnd one of the hooligans displayed his strength, valour and civilization by mounting the platform and brutally assaulting the elderly chief. The incident received wide publicity and there was considerable clamour that the culprits be brought to book. In the face of this the police were forced to act and a certain Claasen, an ex policemen(?) was brought before court and sentenced to three months imprisonment. A large sectuion of tfhe whites could not countenance the idea that a white man be actually charged for what they considered a trivial act. After all only a "kaffer" was assaulted! In order to show their solidarity with Claasen a special fund was launched in order to cover the legal costs as well as other incidental expenses. It is not known whether Claasen was actually served his sentences. It would not at all be surprising if he was freed soon after the court paroles.
Also in 1058 Advocates Duma Nokwe was driving home from Alex Township one night when his car developed some trouble. He got out and was trying to effect repairs when a police car drove up. As is usual practice the policeman demanded: "Kaffer, waar is jou pas?" (Kaffir, where is your pass?) and immediately set about investigating whether the car had been stolen. In the course of the
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