24 January 2000
Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The TRC Amnesty Committee is scheduled to hear various applications in Umtata and Bisho/King Williams Town during the week of January 31 to February 4, 2000. The amnesty applications relate to acts of gross human rights violations committed in the former Transkei and Ciskei between 1987 and 1992. The incidents include the attempted coup of the former Transkei Military Government, Bisho Massacre and the murder of three Unitra students and an MK cadre.
In Umtata the Committee will hear six applications from five former members of Transkei Security forces and a former member of Transkei Parliament for their roles in the Craig Duli led attempted coup on November 22 1990.
Seven soldiers of the TDF were killed while 33 were injured during the incident in and around Umtata. The applicants are Phumelele Gumengu, Thomas Ntisana, Sydwell Ntisana, Hlumelo Mxutu, Zandisile Bongweni and Fundelkile Nombanga. They were convicted and sentenced between eight (8) years and fifteen (15) years and amongst others high treason, murder and conspiracy to overthrow the then former homelands government. They escaped serving their full sentences when they received the Presidential Pardon in July 1995. Still in Umtata, the Committee will hear the amnesty application of Phumelele Gurnengu and Aron Tyani for the attempted murder and subsequent murder of an MK cadre Sithembele Zokwe of Ngqamakhwe in 1987 and 1988 respectively. Both applicants were members of the Transkei security forces at the time. On August 8th 1987, at the Libode District in the Transkei, Gumengu with other unnamed perpetrators, shot the deceased and left him for dead. They were later charged with attempted murder. On January 11th, 1988, the applicants allegedly arrested the deceased and a friend at Butterworth. They took the deceased in handcuffs to his home in the Mkiva district where they shot him dead. The applicant claims that they acted under the instructions of the late Major Mfazwe. Also set to give evidence is Bongani Wana, a former Transkei security policeman, about his role in the murder of three Unitra students and critically injuring another. This relates to an incident which took place on February 5th, 1988, when Zolile Sangoni was driving through Umtata in his Honda Ballade. Along the way he picked up his friends Thozamile Nkume, Lizo Macanda and Zonwabile Mayaphi. The four went to a butchery to have lunch after which they proceeded to drop off Mayaphi and Macanda in an Umtata suburb. A white minibus started to follow them from the butchery. The occupants who included Bongani Wana, three askaris and Mpumelelo Madliwa and East London Sergeant, indicated to them to pull over, which they did. The minibus occupants leapt out and opened fire on the Honda, killing Macanda and Sangoni, Mayaphi was critically injured and died soon afterwards, while Nkume was also critically injured. These matters will be heard at the Umtata City Hall during January 31 - February 2, 2000.
Moving to King Williams Town, the Committee will hear tow Bisho Massacre amnesty applications from Vakele Mkosana and Mzamile Gonya. Thirty people were killed and at least 112 injured when CDF soldiers opened fire during the ANC protest march on September 7, 1992, demanding the resignation of Brigadier O.J. Gqozo (the then military ruler) and free political activity.
Vakele Mkosana who was a Lt. Col. in the CDF at the time, made various statements about the incident, which in general confirm that he radioed his superior, Van de Bank, to request permission to open fire on marchers. The request was on the grounds that the marchers were running towards and were shooting at the troops. This request for authorisation was granted and was confirmed by Van de Bank and Oelschig both to the CDF inquiry and to the TRC. Meanwhile, in his application Rifleman Mzamile Gonya states that he fired two Rifleman granades on Mkosana's direct orders.
The Bisho Massacre will be heard at the Good News Centre, Cnr Maitland and Wodehouse Streets in King Williams Town on February 3 and February 4, 2000.
Enquiries: Nosisi Tyantsi 082 458 8459.