23 March 2000
The Amnesty Committee is set to hear several amnesty applications from different political affiliations in Durban next week.
Gabriel Thamsanqa Njiyela is seeking amnesty for killing Elphas Ndwandwe and injuring Amos Sithole during a bomb attack at their place on October 31, 1991. The applicant who is an ANC affiliate states that, it was decided in a meeting that house no. 644 Phola Street, Ogies, be attacked as its residents were IFP members.
Meanwhile, two PAC affiliates, Zamokuhle Sithole and Sithembiso Thembe, have applied for murder, robbery and six attempted murders committed on October 8, 1990 in West Street, off Point Road, Beach Front in Durban. The applicants claim that the attack was planned in a meeting because the place was frequented by whites.
Also applying for amnesty is Ziba Gerals Mpanza, for robbery committed at Avoca Wholesalers in Empangeni on March 16, 1992. According to the applicant the order to commit such a robbery was given by Lindani Mthiyane who was the chairperson of the ANC Youth League at the Danganye Branch. The objective was to obtain arms and finances so as to supply the ANC youth of Mgababa.
In another matter, Mbhekiseni Mduduzi Dlamini of Azapo, seeks amnesty for the murder and robbery of Mr. Nicholson who he alleged to be the ex-soldier of the previous South African Government and a AWB member. The applicants states that he has a misunderstanding with the deceased on August 27, 1997.
He claims that the deceased advised a Mr. Bennet that he should reduce their wages from R25.00 to R5.00 a day. He used a sharpened rod, stabbing him twice and demanded money from him. He alleges that the robbery was because his organisation was bankrupt.
The Committee will also hear the application of Basi Fani Msibi and Thuso Tshika for three different incidents. On the night of October 10, Osizweni police station was attacked killing one policeman and injuring one. The policemen were shot at whilst getting in to a police van responding to a bogus call asking for police assistance. A month later there was another bomb attack at the Newcastle court. Ex Sergeant V.J.
Nene was seriously injured, and lost his lower limb in the attack, whilst another policeman, Simelane who was sitting not far from him also sustained serious multiple injuries all over his body and internal chest area. Simelane has since died, but it is not known whether his death is related to the attack.
It is also alleged that there was another bomb attack at Glencoe railway station in Dundee, the date unknown. The railway officials at the station are all new and bear no knowledge or record of the incident. In a warning statement made by the perpetrator, Thembinkosi Patrick Nkosi (now deceased) he stated that he was the person who planted the bomb. The applicants admits liability for this incident in that it was committed by members under their command and according to their instructions.
The hearings will be heard at the Pinetown Magistrates Court, Durban as from March 27 to 31, 2000
Issued by: Truth and Reconcilation Commission
Inquiries: Nosisi Tyantsi 082 458 8459.