Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
18 February 1999
The Amnesty Committee of the TRC today granted amnesty to a number of people for a variety of crimes, including murders and bombings but also refused amnesty to a few others.
Two former security policemen from the Free State who applied for amnesty for the bombing of Mrs Winnie Mandela's home in Brandfort in September 1985 and the petrol-bombing of a clinic she ran in the area at the time, were among the applicants granted amnesty.
The two policemen, Mphithizeli Nelson Ngo and Mohonaetsi Stephen Motsamai were granted amnesty for a number of offences, including the bombing of Mrs Mandela's properties, however, they were refused amnesty on a number of other offences including murder, attempted murder and robberies that they committed between 1985 and 1986 in Free State townships.
Wanda Bongani Mdletshe an IFP member from Drifontein who appeared before the committee in Pinetown on 4th February 1999, was granted amnesty for the killing of a political opponent, Kehla Ntshingila, whom he killed on instructions of a local IFP leader. he was serving a 12-year prison term Lu Patrick Sima an ANC Youth League member from Port Shepstone on the Natal South Coast, was granted amnesty for killing prominent IFP member Kulo John Mbili, who he stabbed to death at the Margate bus rank on 9th April 1994.
He appeared before the committee in Pinetown on 3rd February 1999. He was serving an 8-year prison term.
Solomon Khanyile, a 61 year-old IFP supporter who killed three people in Umlazi in January 1987, and attempted to kill 10 others was refused amnesty on the grounds that the offences had not been politically motivated. He is currently serving a 45-year prison term. he appeared before the committee in Pinetown a week before the last.
Six ANC supporters who were part of a mob that attacked and killed IFP supporter, Thulani Mzikayifani Mthembu at his home in Cottonlands near Inanda on 26th December 1991 were also granted amnesty.
The six who appeared before the committee in Pietermaritzburg last week, are Bheki Elliot Mgenge, Sibusiso Mhlongo, Orient Khambule, Philani Luthuli, Lucky Christopher Mnembe and Gilbert Ngobese.
For more info contact TRC Media Director MDU LEMBEDE on 082 4588464