Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
May 25, 1998
STATEMENT BY ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU, CHAIRPERSON OF THE TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
Two long-term prisoners at Grootvlei Maximum Security Prison alleged recently that National Police Commissioner George Fivaz was involved in various human rights violations in the Free State in the 1970s and 1980s.
The prisoners, Andries "Tamatie" Nchake and Joseph Mosia, claimed that General Fivaz and other policemen under his command planted drugs and ammunition on innocent people, took part in the murder of suspects and supplied information upon which the Lesotho raid of 1982 was based.
During investigations headed by Mr Wilson Magadhla, special investigations head of the TRC, the Investigative Unit has found that serious contradictions exist in the prisoners' evidence. Mr Magadhla has concluded that the prisoners have lied in many respects.
He has reported to the Commission that witnesses named by the prisoners and interviewed by him have given him versions which completely contradict those of the prisoners. Sites identified as likely graves were dug up but nothing in the form of human remains could be found at any of the sites pointed out.
The only allegation proven is that certain members of the police in Ladybrand were involved in the assault and torture of a person who subsequently died in police custody. The policemen allegedly implicated are mentioned by name. General Fivaz's name does not feature at all in this matter, which will be referred to the police for further investigation.
No evidence could be found to support any of the allegations made against General Fivaz. The Commission regards them as false and regards the investigation insofar as it affects General Fivaz as closed.