Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
February 26, 1997
STATEMENT BY DR ALEX BORAINE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON, TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
As a consequence of the recent Appellate Division judgement requiring the advance provision of documents to those implicated in Commission proceedings, the TRC has granted Dr Wouter Basson a postponement of his appearance before the Commission.
Dr Basson was to have appeared at a closed investigative inquiry of the Commission, conducted in terms of Section 29 of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act, tomorrow and Friday. However, lawyers for Dr Basson have requested copies of documents in the Commission's possession and indicated that they will need time to prepare for his appearance.
The Commission will supply the necessary documents and will set a new date for his appearance within a few days.
The Act gives the Commission the power to release information in its possession to the public, including that gained in Section 29 investigations. As a result of the delay in hearing Dr Basson, as well as of the importance of the matter, we have decided that instead of holding a closed inquiry, and then releasing information, we will now subpoena Dr Basson to appear at a public hearing.
Inquiries: John Allen, 082- 452-7859