Issued by: Truth & Reconciliation Commission
It is only a matter of days now before the Truth and Reconciliation commission kick off its three-day public hearings of gross human rights violations in the Free State Region.
The hearings from Tuesday July 2 to Thursday July 4 will be held at the City Hall in Bloemfontein. A panel of four commissioners, including TRC chairman, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his deputy Dr Alex Boraine will be assisted by a number of committee members in conducting the hearings.
The commission is scheduled to hear 29 different cases - some of them listed here during the three-day sitting in Bloemfontein.
INTER-FAITH SERVICE FOR THE COMMISSION
As it has become customary in all first major hearings of the TRC, in all regions, on the eve of this historic event in Bloemfontein, a special inter-faith church service will be held in the town to pray for the success of the commission's work and also pray for families of victims of past atrocities, most of whom will be appearing before the commission next week. The service is open to members of the public of all faiths.
This very important service will be at the City Hall in Bloemfontein on Sunday June 30 from 2.30pm. Bishop Z. W. Gill of the Methodist Church will deliver the main address. There will be brief reading of the scriptures and prayers by religious leaders of Muslim, Jewish, Greek Orthodox and Christian faiths.
The Premier of the Free State and some MEC's and a host of dignitaries will attend the service.
MEDIA ACCREDITATION FOR THE HEARINGS
All representatives of the media who will covering the commission proceedings for the first time are advised to time properly apply for accreditation as soon as possible so that they could be catered for in the media centre during hearings.
Application for accreditation on a letterhead, stating name of applicant, job title and organisation represented should be faxed to the TRC Media Spokesman MDU LEMBEDE on fax numbers (031) 307 6742 or 307 6749. He can also be phoned at (031) 307 6745, 307 6767 or cellular phone number 082 45 88464.
CASES SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD
Cases scheduled for the Bloemfontein hearings, include of abduction and torture, disappearances, mysterious killings, people who died in border skirmishes with security forces, members of the former Dikwankwetha Party who were severely persecuted for their membership, a little girl who was shot by police and crippled while on an errand for her mother.
Gangs that were used by the State to terrorise people in the Free State, including the notorious R3 Million Gang, The Eagles and the A-Team, will feature prominently during these hearings. 27 June 1996