Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
October 8, 1999
Six amnesty applications involving IFP and ANC supporters will be heard at the Marian Centre in Pietermaritzburg this week. The first applicant Sbusiso Richard Mbhele is seeking amnesty for several murders that he committed during 1993 in Ixopo and surrounding areas. He claims that he was a full member of the IFP and serving as the Self Protection Unit member at the time. He is currently serving a life sentence and thirty one years at the Westville Correctional Services.
Also appearing for amnesty is Brian Muzokhona Luthuli an ANC member who later joined the IFP, for killing Elias Mumfe Dlezi an ANC member because he was scared of him as he was a threat. He stabbed him seven times after an argument between them ended up in a fight. He also tried to cut off the head of the deceased but was distracted by passersby and ran away.
Another IFP member Magogo Bheki Magoso is applying for amnesty for the burning of houses in the area of Kwa- Mashu and his involvement in the gun fighting that took place between residence of Kwa- Mashu and Richmond farm during 1989 and 1990. Richmond farm was at the time an IFP stronghold and all residents of Kwa - Mashu were labeled ANC supporters.
Ntuthuko Chuene an ANC member is seeking amnesty for killing Mr. Godfrey Frederick Lanz Heuer and robbing him of his firearm after breaking into his home in Vryheid in 1992.He says the purpose of the robbery was to obtain arms and ammunitions so as to defend his community from the IFP. Also from the ANC is Dumisani Eugene Nkabinde applying for amnesty for killing Umzizi Francis Sahabane, an alleged member of the Kapnaars gang, on 30 March 1991 at Umlazi in KwaZulu Natal.It is alleged that the deceased had been part of a group collaborating with the KwaZulu Police and IFP who had been responsible the death of two ANC members who had been killed at Gumede's house. Gumede also an ANC member was one of the co-accused who was also convicted for Shabane's death.
The committee will also hear the application of Musa Mahambane , who is applying for amnesty for the murder of Mr. Derek Pringle Walters on 28 October 1991 at Umhlanga Rocks Centre. The applicant and his accomplices were on a mission to rob NBS at Hilton Centre and whilst trying to escape from police, they came across Mr. Walters in his car. He was shot at, and his car was used as a getaway car. They were apprehended before they could escape with the money.
The matters are set down for a week starting October 11 - 15.
Inquiries : Nosisi Tyantsi - 082 458 8459.