Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
May 8, 1997
STATEMENT FROM THE TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
Offices of the Truth and Reconciliation will be open on Saturday to ensure that all application reach us before the 12h00 pm deadline. In addition special amnesty "hotlines" will handle last minute calls from people wanting to apply for amnesty.
People wanting to make inquiries about amnesty applications can call the following numbers on Saturday:
Cape Town: 021-24-5161 Durban: 031- 307-6767 East London: 0431-43-5223 Johannesburg: 011-333-6330
The offices and switchboard numbers will be open from 08h30 in the morning until midnight to receive applications.
People who are unable to reach our offices can mail their application forms on or before Saturday as the postal date will be valid as an indication that they met the deadline. They can also fax their applications before midnight to: Cape Town - 021-233280; Johannesburg - 011-3330832; East Londen - 0431 - 439352; Durban - 031 - 3076742.
The law establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission gives those responsible for acts, omissions or offences which might lead to criminal prosecutions or civil actions for damages the opportunity to apply for amnesty if their actions were associated with political objectives.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has issued a national appeal to people right across the political spectrum to "take this golden opportunity to apply for amnesty on the most generous terms possible."
Amnesty applications received to date: Approximately 5 800.
Applications heard: 58
Applications processed on paper: 787
Amnesties granted amnesty and refused: Granted: after hearings - 22 on paper (in chambers) - 17 Refused: after hearings - 15 in chambers - 773
Inquiries: Christelle Terreblanche, 082- 458-8461