28 July 2000, 2000
The Amnesty Committee of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission is currently hearing the amnesty applications of
Sam du Preez
Laurie Wasserman
Henthie Botha
Brand Visagie
Dave Baker
who are former members of the Durban Security Branch, for the death of Ntombi Kubheka during 1989.
The deceased's remains were exhumed on 5th May 1999 from a paupers grave approximately 10 years after burial. This followed an investigation by the TRC investigators into her death having occurred during an alleged interrogation session at the hands of the Security Police.
The deceased was alleged to have been a leader of an ANC MK resistance group based in Swaziland and was captured by the Security branch after being betrayed by an informer. The applicants allege in their submissions for amnesty that the deceased collapsed during the interrogation and died. Her body was then disposed of at an area known as Bambayi near Kwa-Mashu, Durban.
During the autopsy after the exhumation during May 1999, it was discovered that the skull presented a gunshot wound and in fact a 7.65mm calibre bullet was recovered from the skull.
In an effort to positively identify the exhumed body as being that of the deceased, the TRC obtained a forensic report of Professor Peter Vanezis, of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Science at the University of Glasgow, Scotland regarding the reconstruction and superimposition of the skull to recreate facial identification, - Due to various difficulties securing the attendance of Professor Vanezi's to testify in South Africa the TRC facilitated the evidence being given via a video conference link up between Washington D.C., where the Professor was conducting certain work, and Durban, where the hearings was taking place.
The evidence presented by Professor Vanezis raised a very high degree of probability that the skull was that of the deceased. The TRC wishes to thank the State Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington U.S.A., the American Consulate in Durban and the South African Department of Foreign Affairs for their kind co-operation and assistance in making this achievement possible.
A special thank is extended to the following persons without whose help this evidence would have not been able to have been received by the Amnesty Committee:
Prof. Peter Vanezis - Dept. of Forensic Medicine & Science
University of Glasgow, Scotland
Steve Naidoo - Forensic Pathologist - Natal University,
Durban
Craig Kuehl - US Consul General, Durban
Gerry Williams - US Consulate : Public Affairs, Durban
Deva Govindsamy - US Technical Assistant in Durban
Sandy Bruckner - State Department Technician in Washington, USA
Myke Taister - FBI - Washington
Peggy Morgan - FBI in Johannesburg
Johny Donlic - Giant Video Screens, Johannesburg
Ian Zulch - Giant Video Screens, Johannesburg
Cicil - Giant Video Screens, Johannesburg
Ronnie Mamoepa - Dept. of Foreign Affairs, South Africa
Ndumiso Ntshinga - US Desk - Dept. of Foreign Affairs, South
Africa
Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Inquiries: Paddy Prior - National Legal Officer 082 451 3276