MARTIAL LAW
In 1922, the type of martial law that was imposed in Johannesburg can be defined as the temporary suspension of civil law by the Union of South Africa’s government. Martial law was declared in response to a temporary emergency that occurred after the South African Police and South African Mounted Riflemen had virtually been overwhelmed by the strikers. During the 1922 strike, as far as can be determined, the South African Police had 29 members killed in action and 68 were wounded. On 9 March, the mobilisation orders were issued for identified Active Citizen Force units and 26 Burger commandos to mobilise. On 10 March 1922, Martial Law was declared and the armed revolt started. The mobilisation instruction included the Transvaal Horse Artillery, Royal Durban Light Infantry, Transvaal Scottish, Rand Light Infantry, Witwatersrand Rifles, Imperial Light Horse and the 1st Field Ambulance. Twenty-six commandos were mobilised from outlying areas.
16 Nongqai Vol 13 No 3D– 1922 Red Revolt on the Rand
