On August 5, 1962, Nelson Mandela was arrested by the South African authorities. He had been on the run for over a year, during which he was actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement, particularly in organizing acts of sabotage as part of his leadership role in the African National Congress (ANC). His arrest was a significant moment in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. Mandela was charged with leaving the country illegally and inciting workers to strike.

This arrest eventually led to his trial and imprisonment for 27 years, a pivotal chapter in the history of South Africa’s fight for freedom and equality. It wasn’t until his release in 1990 that Mandela emerged as a key figure in the negotiations that ended apartheid and led to the establishment of a democratic South Africa.