http://www.polity.org.za/govdocs/commissions/1998/
Tebbutt Commission Report - 25 March 1998

PART EIGHT

1. COMPENSATION

As set out in Part One of this Report it was not within the Terms of Reference of this Commission to consider, assess or award compensation to the victims of the shooting i.e. either to those affected by the deaths of the deceased or to those wounded in the shootings. At the conclusion of the public hearings the Commission was urged by the legal representative of Lawyers for Human Rights to recommend to the Government the payment of such compensation. It is not the mandate nor the function of the Commission to make such a recommendation. It, however, as was asked to do, draws the attention of the Government to the request.

2. AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

The establishment of the Commission and its findings will also lay to rest the concerns of Amnesty International which in a paper entitled "Securing the Peace: Issues of Justice and Accountability in the wake of the Bophuthatswana Uprising" drew attention to certain facts and some issues arising from the uprising. Some of those facts were not entirely accurate, as will appear from the Commission's investigation of them. That, however, is to be expected as the investigations by the monitors of Amnesty International could in the nature of things not be as full and detailed as those of the Commission. Nevertheless, the issues raised by Amnesty International have been addressed by the Commission as is reflected not only in the investigations of the individual deaths but also in the accountability for them and for the situation that created the scenario in which those deaths occurred.

3. APPRECIATION

The Commission wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation to all the legal representatives for their assistance to the Commission which enabled it to carry out its mandate in a positive manner. It expresses its particular thanks and appreciation to Mr Van Rensburg who led the evidence and directed the investigations in a most able, thorough and efficient manner. His contribution to the work of the Commission was invaluable.

The Commission also expresses its thanks, considerable appreciation and praise to all the members of the Investigating Team. Very ably led by Captain M van Gent, the Team carried out its investigations in a most intelligent, enthusiastic, efficient and dedicated manner, in most instances having to start their investigations from scratch and as a result having to work extremely long hours and often far beyond the call of duty. Their ability to find witnesses and to ascertain relevant facts after a lapse of a period of some three years was truly remarkable. The Commission could not have carried out its functions or fulfilled its mandate without them.

Finally, the Commission wishes to express its deepest thanks, gratitude and appreciation to the Secretary of the Commission, Mr John Bacon. It is impossible to imagine what the Commission would have done without his efficient services. His quiet dedication to his tasks, his meticulous attention to detail, his enviable ability to secure the attendance of witnesses, his setting up of the Commission's structures and his running of the affairs of the Commission generally, enabled it to carry out its functions smoothly and expeditiously. He also assisted in the investigations, the collection of evidence, the interviewing of witnesses and liaised with the media both printed and electronic. Your Commissioners also thank all the members of the support staff who assisted Mr Bacon.

Your Commissioners also express their appreciation to the media, both printed and electronic, for their coverage of the Commission's activities which contributed materially to its ability to carry out its Terms of Reference.