Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The Amnesty Committee today has granted amnesty to Jerry Chimanyana Motaung a former member of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS). Motaung was convicted for killing Patricia Motshwene and attempted murder of Gladness Mvelase. He is currently serving an effective 8 years of imprisonment. The applicant claimed the deceased was an IFP member.
The committee found that Motaung as bona fide in seeking to protect his political party and its members. "The objective of his actions on that fateful day was politically motivated". The death of Motshwene and the attempted murder of Muelase, were referred to the Reparations and Rehabilitation Committee for its consideration.
Also granted amnesty was Zandile Patrick Kondile for the murder of Busangani Shandu and attempted murder of three others in 1991. Kondile is serving 12 years of imprisonment.
The committee found that the killings have been strongly rooted in the political upheavals of the times. "The committee is satisfied that Kondile was a member of Food and Allied Workers Union and a supporter of the ANC".
The committee further found the applicant acted throughout on the basis that he was protecting himself, his union and fellow members. "The committee is satisfied that his actions benefited political, not personal objectives".