14 June 2000
Statement by the Amnesty Committee of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Subject: granting and denying of amnesty to witchcraft killers
The Amnesty Committee of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has today granted amnesty to Thirty Three (33) amnesty applicants for killings of people suspected of practicing witchcraft in the former Bantustan of Venda in the Northern Province between 1989 and 1990.
Ten other applicants have been refused amnesty for acts ranging from murder and arson and for failing to satisfy the requirements of the TRC regulations.
In its decision, the Amnesty Committee took not of the unusual nature of the applications as they relate to the practice of witchcraft in the area of the Northern Province, formerly known as Venda.
The Committee found that Chiefs of the districts, who formed a tier of government at the time, were associated with ritual murders which flowed from witchcraft, to maintain their political power. This belief grew among the ordinary folk and those who sought democratic change, particularly those whose who sought re-incorporation into a democratic Republic of South Africa.
The Chiefs were perceived by the youth to be the front for the South African Government and their cohorts in Venda.
In the circumstances, the AC has pardoned Eleven (11) applicants, Nndwamato Amos Muhadi, Nyadzanide Villiers Sioma, Chater Ndidzulathi Ragwala, Rogan Khathutshelo Romasitsi, Johnson Thilivhali Masithulela, David Makana Nemakhavhani, Abel Lufuno Mulady, AD Rambwa, AA Mativha, JM Makatu and Fudumulani Lawrence Maduna for killing Edward Mavhungu, burning his house and committing public violence on or about April 6 1990. The incident occurred near Ha-Mavhunga in Tshitale district.
Others who have been granted amnesty include, Mauba Daniel Malima in respect of murder of Mudzunga Mulaudzi on March 20 1989 near Mpofu Location, Tshitale district.
Josia Davhana Mulaudzi, Norman Ramalata and Samuel Mashudu Matala have been granted amnesty for the killing of Muzhedzi Emily Makulana on March 21 1990 near Mfunzi Village.
Asmuel Kudzingana, Maluta Simon Matshisevhe, Asaph Mamburu and Justice Ramabulana and Walter Mudzwiri have been granted amnesty for murdering Frans Mavhaudu and arson on March 6 1990 near Tshiowzi settlement Tshilwavhusuku village.
Azwindini Cedric Molovhedzi has been granted amnesty for killing Frans Mafulane and burning his house on February 4 1990 in Venda.
Mutshutshu Samuel Magoro nad Salani Philimon Baloyi were granted amnesty for killing Nyamaxhose Maduwa on March 21 1990 Ha-Maila Village Tshitale.
Marubini George Leshaba and Mavhulama Johannes Makananise ahve granted amnesty for murdering Johannes Soidaha Silema-Malatsi on March 19 1990.
Tshinyaadzo Daniel Mauba, Mbulaheni Victor Mukheli and Freddy Fhatuwani Davhula were granted amnesty for killing Violet Movhe on February 8 1990.
Mmabatho Popular Mulaudzi and Mmbengeni Mutali have been granted amnesty for killing Johannes Limvumu on February 2 1990.
Ta Mashamba was granted amnesty for killing Frans Kgomogwe and for burning his house in Venda 1990.
LF Munyai and N Mulandzi were granted amnesty for killing Madadzhe and Mr Maphaha near Tshino Village during February 1990.
Another amnesty applicant, unrelated to the Witchcraft matter and who have been granted amnesty, is Sipho Jimmie Mthandi for placing two Limpet Mines at Orlando Police Station in Soweto and for attacking Sgt. Morget's house with a grenade and an AK47.
Amnesty has also been granted to a former SAP CID member, Mphathiswa Godratius Malunga for torturing Thethinene Joe Jordaan in East London in 1985.
Thamsanqa Norman Tshoko and Nkululeko Freedom Sidiya have been granted amnesty for killing Silomo Shadrack Gazu, an IFP member, on January 28, 1993 in Boipatong.
For more infromation on these matters:
call Mbulelo Sompetha at 082 452 7870.