Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
June 24, 1999
Former Venda military ruler Brigadier Gabriel Ramushwana and three of his former colleagues are re-appearing before the Amnesty Committee seeking amnesty for the assault and torture of six victims in Venda.
The applicants are also applying for defeating the ends of justice. The application which was partly heard in Tzaneen last month - has been moved to Venda after a request by the affected community of Venda. The hearing will be heard at the Old Parliament Building, Thoyohandou, Venda from June 28 - 29.
Also appearing before the Amnesty Committee will be three APLA members - Brian Clifford Thobojane, Thomas Ngobeni and Donald Mukhawana who are seeking amnesty for killing the Swanepoel family in Tzaneen on March 27, 1993. The applicants claim that during 1993 (which was declared by the PAC and APLA - as the year of the "Great Storm"), orders were issued by the APLA command that all white farmers and government buildings should be attacked.
They further claim that their unit was instructed to go and attack a chicken farm owned by Johannes Swanepoel in Tzaneen. They fired several shots at the Swanepoel house injuring Mr. Swanepoel and killing his wife.
The hearing will be heard at the Tzaneen Show Grounds, R71 Phalabora Road, Tzaneen on June 30 and July 1, 1999.
Inquiries : Nosisi Tyantsi 082 458 8459
June 24, 1999