ABSTRACT
The story I am about to relate is painful, as the events themselves were for those who were tortured and died, and also for the others who had to live through them. I am still not sure that it should be exposed to the light. Reputations will be at risk, so I have held it back for ten years. Perhaps I will not be forgiven for recounting it now. The first version seemed such a tall story to European readers that I was rebuked for scandal-mongering. As I persisted I was advised to give more circumstantial detail, such as names and dates. Then I found that published in that form it would endanger the persons named. Now I know that it is too common a story to need the extra signs of authenticity, so I have removed the names in this shortened version. After many conversations with African and other scholars I realise that the topic has far-reaching significance. The story may still be worth reading, so that we can reflect on our own deep conflicts of loyalty and morals.
