Nelson Mandela was arrested on August 5, 1962, while underground and actively leading the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Following years of organizing against the oppressive regime of racial segregation, Mandela aimed to gain international support and escalate the movement for equality. His capture was executed during a police operation that intersected with the African National Congress's (ANC) campaign of sabotage. At the time, he was traveling in a stolen car, trying to evade detection by the authorities. His arrest quickly became a flashpoint in the anti-apartheid struggle, gathering national and global attention.

In the ensuing months, the ANC was galvanized by Mandela's detainment. On trial, he delivered a powerful speech emphasizing justice, equality, and the sacrifices made by those fighting for freedom. This articulation of the anti-apartheid cause resonated widely, framing Mandela as a martyr for justice. The Rivonia Trial, which followed his arrest, led to Mandela being sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964, which he would serve until his release in 1990. His time in prison transformed him into an enduring symbol of resistance against oppression.

Internationally, Mandela's imprisonment sparked outrage and a global anti-apartheid movement that significantly influenced politics in South Africa and beyond. Boycotts, protests, and solidarity campaigns erupted worldwide in support of Mandela and the cruel conditions in South Africa. As time went on, Mandela's freedom became synonymous with the broader struggle for human rights and dignity, culminating in his eventual release and election as South Africa's first black president in 1994.