August 3, 2000
AMNESTY DECISION
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's, Amnesty Committee today granted amnesty to the KwaZulu-Natal leader of the African National Congress and United Democratic Front, Muzuvukile Curnick Ndlovu.
Ndlovu applied for amnesty for committing sabotage during December 1961 and June 1963 near Durban. The applicant served a long term sentence on Robben Island for the offence and was part of the leadership of the United Democratic Front in Natal in the 1980's.
Also granted amnesty were Heinrich Enckhausen Bohmke, William David Louw and Moses Bushy Kelobonye for damaging the Conservative Party offices. Bohmke, Louw and Kelobonye applied for amnesty for damaging the office of the Conservative Party and also for unlawful possession of explosives during April 1993 in Roodepoort, Gauteng.
The Committee found that the three applicants have met the requirements of the Act. The Committee further granted amnesty to Ntsumbedzeni Alson Tshitahe for committing arson to government vehicles, arson in respect of government school buildings in Sibasa area Venda and sabotage in 1976.
Tshitahe was refused amnesty for the offences of robbery and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. July-Mabakoko Mtsweni, Speelman Mtsweni, Johannes Mahlangu, Phillip Mtsweni and Charles Skosana were granted amnesty for the murder of Emmah Mtsweni in January 1991, in Kwandebele, Mpumalanga Province.
The incident was sparked by the alleged bewitching of the Mtsweni parents. The Committee found that the applicants have made a full disclosure of all relevant facts. The issue of witchcraft was but one factor that played a role in the eventual culmination of events leading to the death of the deceased.
Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
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