Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
August 8, 1997
STATEMENT FROM THE TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has granted amnesty to Msizi Jethro Hlope in respect of two murders and three attempted murders in Clermont, Durban, in 1987 and 1988.
Hlope, who was 16 at the time of the offences, was found by the Amnesty Committee of the TRC to have committed them under the orders of Samuel Jamile, who was granted indemnity in 1993. The Committee said the offences "were committed against a background of political conflict in Clermont."
Hlope has been serving 22 years' imprisonment for the two murders. Until his release in 1993, Jamile was serving life imprisonment for the murders.
Amnesty was granted to Hlope in respect of:
- The murder of Zazi Khuzwayo on May 9, 1987 in Clermont.
- The murder of Nicholas Mkhize on July 15, 1988 at Clermont.
- The attempted murder of Bhikilida Johannes Msomi, Delani Sikhakhane and Johannes Luthuli on Good Friday of 1987 at Clermont.
The full text of the Amnesty Committee's decision follows.