Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The Amnesty Committee of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will hear next week the applications from 22 people claiming to be former members of the Self Defence Unit relating to incidents ranging from murder, attempted murder to illegal possession of arms and ammunition committed in various Gauteng townships in the early '90's.
Mr Joseph Mthunzi, Annah Mingi, among others were killed and scores of other people injured in sporadic attacks by SDU members in townships such as Sebokeng, KwaThema, Thembisa, Springs, Vosloorus, Duduza and Soweto between 1991 and 1992.
Among the SDU members applying of amnesty are Mlungisi Alpheus Ndlovu, Mfanafuthi Kenneth Ngwenya, Tony Ndoda Mashego, Mlungiseleli Cyves Ndamane, Mazwi Mkukwana, Mzolisi Bigman Mahlakaza, Levy Ramonana Mokoe, Milton Beki Mhlong, Gladwell Selahle, Joel Mhlahleni Sishaba, Dumisani Stephen Mkabinde, Sandile Birmingham Garane, Puseletso Julia Skhosana, Oupa Ephraim Monareng, Julian Dion Plaatjes, Eric Ezakiel Mokwele, Sonkalani Moses Mabena and Vusi Sydney "Gadaffi" Mononi.
The Amnesty Committee will also consider amnesty applications from 2 Pan African Congress members relating to the murder of Mr Francisco Goncalves de Sousa of Portuguese descent in his Westonaria trading store and Mrs Maria van Niewenhuizen, 81 at her Brakpan home.
Thapelo Patick Maseko is seeking amnesty for shooting dead Mr de Sousa and injuring his business partner Mr Joao Jardin before escaping with more than R3000 in cash in November 1990. Another applicant Hlalele Hlelesi shot Mrs Niewenhuizen dead and wounded a domestic worker Mrs Emily Mokoena who has since died, and escaped with undisclosed household goods on May 6, 1994. Both applicants are serving lengthy prison terms for the incidents.
According to the law governing the TRC, victims and their next of kin or any other interested parties have the right to attend the hearing, adduce evidence and be legally presented.
The hearing will take place at the JISS Centre, corner of Queen and Battery Streets, Mayfair, Johannesburg from November 23 to December 11, 1998.
Inquiries : Vuyani Green - 082 452 7858