![]() ![]() Today, the site where the prison once stood has been transformed into a public park and memorial site, known as the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Services Museum. The decision to close the prison came after a long history of human rights abuses, including reports of torture, overcrowding, and inhumane living conditions. However, after years of controversy and criticism, the prison was eventually closed down in 2000. The prison was located in the city of Pretoria and was originally built in 1902. Pretoria Prison, also known as the Pretoria Local Prison, was a notorious prison in South Africa that was used to imprison political dissidents and anti-apartheid activists during the apartheid era. It is a reminder of the struggles faced by those who fought against apartheid and the courage they displayed in the face of adversity. Pretoria Central Prison holds a significant place in South African history as a symbol of oppression and resistance. The film stars Daniel Radcliffe and Daniel Webber and is based on the true events of the prison break. In 2020, the story of the escape of Jenkin, Lee, and Moumbaris was adapted into a film called “Escape from Pretoria”. The museum serves as a reminder of the injustices of the past and the resilience of those who fought against them. The prison’s gallows have been turned into a museum in honor of the lives that were taken there. Today, Pretoria Central Prison has been replaced by a modern correctional facility, but the stories of its past still echo thrugh the halls. Their daring escape from the maximum security jail, the European section of the prison, remains a remarkable feat of ingenuity and bravery. They worked together on a carefully crafted plan, which involved making their own keys and forging documents to get past the guards. In 1979, three political prisoners, Tim Jenkin, Stephen Lee, and Alex Moumbaris, managed to escape from Pretoria Central Prison. Other notable inmates included Denis Goldberg, Raymond Suttner, and Jeremy Cronin, who were all sentenced at the Rivonia Trial alongside Mandela. Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and Ahmed Kathrada were all held there at some point during their imprisonment. ![]() A staggering 135 purely political prisoners were hung there, leaving behind a legacy of oppression and injustice.Īmong the political prisoners held at Pretoria Central Prison were some of the most prominent figures of the anti-apartheid movement. The prison was often the first place these inmates were taken to, and unfortunately, it was also often their last. It was notorious for its harsh conditions and brutal treatment of inmates.ĭuring the apartheid era, many political prisoners were brought to Pretoria Central Prison for their perceived crimes against the government. The prison was built in the late 19th century and was originally known as the Pretoria Local Prison. It’s a real display of the actor’s talent.Pretoria Central Prison, located in the capital city of South Africa, holds a dark history of political imprisonment and oppression during the apartheid era. ![]() Radcliffe is subdued but committed, lending an ideal everyman quality to Jenkin. ![]() It steadily builds its tension, culminating in a heart-pounding sequence in which Jenkin tries to rescue a key he dropped outside of his cell with nothing but a stick and a piece of gum. That cyclical process is what makes Escape from Pretoria tick. He’ll break himself out of his cell only to lock himself up again, waiting until he’s certain there’s a clear path out of the prison gates and on to freedom. The escape itself takes up a majority of the runtime, as Jenkin puts himself through a rigorous process of trial and error. Director Francis Annan, who co-wrote the script with LH Adams, is clearly entranced by the mechanics of it, crafting an intricate and studiously plotted film in return. Day by day, week by week, Jenkin carved his own set of keys out of wood scraps, all carefully hidden from view of the guards. His methods were meticulous – this wasn’t Steve McQueen and his motorcycle vaulting over barbed wire fences. ![]()
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