Issued by: Office of the President
In response to numerous requests from the media for Reverend Frank Chikane to comment in his capacity as the then Secretary-General of the South African Council of Churches, on the amnesty granted to Eugene De Kock and Adrian Vlock for the bombing of Khotso House in 1987, Reverend Chikane would like to put the following on record:
The bombing of Khotso House was an abominable action in defence of a crime against humanity and a heresy. The act of the bombing, like the system of apartheid itself, cannot be justified and will always remain repugnant.
After the bombing, several discussions were held with the then National Party government, which always denied the involvement of State security forces. Yet there was never any doubt as to who the perpetrators of the dastardly deed were.
This heinous deed did not break the spirit of the Church. Rather it generated a new determination and resolve to carry out its mission to minister, to the poor and the oppressed. Indeed, the struggle for peace, freedom and justice shall forever triumph against the forces of darkness and oppression.
The TRC was an instrument set up by ourselves to reconcile South Africans and build a new nation. In this context I respect and abide by the decision of the TRC, as part of efforts to bring about peace and reconciliation among all South Africans, with the hope that never again will such deeds be committed.
For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Issued by the Office of the President, T. M Mbeki
Communication Division
P/Bag X1000
Pretoria
0001
6 August 1999