22 March 2000
Three former Transkei and South African security police members will feature prominently in Umtata Amnesty hearing next week when they present their applications before the Amnesty Committee at the Umtata City Hall on Monday March 27.
Bongani Wana a former Transkei security police attached to the then Transkei anti- terrorism unit is applying for amnesty for taking part in the killing of three African National Congress operatives Zolile Sangoni, Zonwabele Mayaphi and Lizo Macanda. The applicant also applies for amnesty for attempted murder of Thozamile Nkume.
On Febrary 5, 1988 Wana ,other security police and askaris members followed the four to a butchery where they were asked to stop and the police open fire killing three. Another applicant a former South African security member Mphathiswa Malunga is applying for amnesty for the torture and assaults of Thethinene Jordan who is currently a member of the Eastern Cape Legislature.
Jordan a United Democratic Front activist was severely assaulted with a stick on his bare feet and electrocuted on his body. These acts were committed by Malunga during March 1985 at the Duncan Village police station in East London when Jordan was being questioned by the security police in detention.
The other former Transkei security police, Nkosinathi Siqhola, seeks amnesty for torture and damage to the property of Max Jafta at Lurhwayizo near Willowvale in Transkei in the belief that he was harbouring Umkhonto We Sizwe cadres.
Siqhola is also applying for amnesty for the acts of gross violation of human rights committed during the 1980's. The applicant states that he participated in the torture of a number of political activists and he is unable to recall the names of some of his victims.
Siqhalo former head of an investigative unit claimed that he assaulted detainees at the Norwood police station on instructions by his superiors in the Transkei security police. Most of the applicant 's victims are senior government officials and members of the Eastern Cape Legislature and Cape Town parliament.
Inquiries: Phila Ngqumba 021 - 4238741 or 4245161
Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission