March 17, 2000
THE TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
The Amnesty Committee of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission today granted amnesty to a former Vlakplaas head Eugene De Kock and Andries Johannes Van Heerden.
The two applicants applied for amnesty for all acts associated with the bombing of the house of Dr. Bulbulia, committed at Bakerton in Springs in October 1989.
They also applied for amnesty for all offences related to the unlawful possession of explosives used in the incident. During the hearing the applicants told the Committee that Brigadier Andries Gouws then head of Springs Security Branch, ordered De Kock to bomb the house of Dr. Bulbulia. De Kock in turn obtained clearance from his superiors and instructed Van Heerden to assist him.
One night in October in 1989 they proceeded with two 400g TNT bombs to the house of Dr. Bulbulia and set off the bombs. They applicants claimed that there was no intention to injure or kill anyone and slight damage was caused to the house. Brigadier Gouws applied for amnesty for the same incident and was granted amnesty on June 1, 1998.
The Committee was satisfied that the above applicants acted under instructions, committed these acts within the context of the conflicts of the past, and acted with a political objective. They have made full disclosure of all the material facts pertaining the incident.
Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Inquiries: Phila Ngqumba - (021) 4238741.