Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
May 31, 1996
STATEMENT BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
The Executive Committee of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission resolved today to ask its investigating unit to call upon a number of individuals to appear at investigations aimed at obtaining further information about alleged human rights violations.
The Commission will if necessary use its powers under Section 29 of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act to summon the individuals to the investigations. The Commission will not at this stage release the names of those to be approached.
The Act provides that Section 29 investigations are confidential until the Commission decides to release details, or until there is a public hearing. Should it emerge at a Section 29 investigation that people have relevant information, public hearings may well follow.
A number of members of the executive committee yesterday had consultations with South Africa's Attorneys-General. It was agreed at the meeting that the Commission should liaise with Attorneys-General to minimise the potential for conflict between Commission investigations and those carried out by the offices of Attorneys-General.
Inquiries: John Allen, 082- 452-7859