Issued by Truth and Reconciliation Commission
September 14 1999
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Amnesty Committee today granted amnesty to five members of Umkhonto WeSizwe for murders, attempted murders, planting and detonation of an anti-tank landmine and malicious damage to property.
Obed Masina, Frans Ting-Ting Masango, Noe Griffiths Potsane, Joseph Makhura and David Solomon Simelane applied for amnesty for the killings of Orphan Chapi, Joseph Vuma, David Lukhele and detonation of a limpet mine in a white only bus stop on July 4, 1986.
The offences were committed in Mamelodi, Soweto and Silverton. The Committee found that the incident clearly constituted an act associated with a political objective and applicants have made full disclosure of all relevant facts.
Also granted amnesty are two ANC members, Gilbert Myulaudzi and Morris Ndlovu for armed robbery, assault, abduction, unlawful possession of an AK47 and R1 rifle and ammunition. Four other MK members were also granted amnesty. Amos Fish Mahlalela was granted amnesty for killing Thomas Mangena, possession of two hand grenades, two detonators and one Markorov pistol with ammunition.
Lazarous Chikane, Michael Seloane and Mantshane Mapheto got amnesty for murder, attempted murder and possession of hand grenades on January 22, 1986 at Mamelodi.
Two Inkatha Freedom Party members, Xolani Mnguni and Velaphi Makhanye were also granted amnesty for the murder in November 1991. Mnguni and other IFP supporters attacked an ANC train coach and killed William Aphane. Makhaye murdered Lifa Mtimkhulu an ANC member.
The Committee refused amnesty to ANC member, Washington Thange for killing a PAC member, Abinaar Mongwalwa at Munsenville in Krugersdorp in 1991.
Two IFP members, Anilraj Singh and Praveen Ramds were also refused amnesty. Singh and Ramdas applied for amnesty for murder, attempted murder and attack on the inhabitants of Jesmondene Community. The Committee found that there was no political motive for the two applicants to carry out the attack.
Inquiries; Phila Ngqumba - 082 458 8463.