November 24, 2000
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Amnesty Committee has today granted amnesty to nineteen Vlakplaas operatives and members of the security police for the bombing of Khanya House, the Pretoria headquarters of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference during October 1988.
Granted amnesty is the head of Vlakplaas, Eugene De Kock, Robert Mcintyre, Douw Willemse, Dawid Brit, Willem Nortje, Izak Bosch, Jacob Kok, Francois Kok, Paul Hatting, Johan Tait, Larry Hanton, Hendrik Du Plessis, Nicolaas Vermeulen, Marthinus Ras, Wybrand Du Toit, Wilhelm Bellingham, Hendrik Kotze, George hammond and Leon Flores.
The Committee found that the applicants met the requirements of the Act, and made full disclosure of all relevant facts and their actions had a political motive. As a result of the attack the building was severely damaged and the printing facility was destroyed.
All persons who were present in the building at the time of the incident were declared as victims and referred to Reparation and Rehabilitation Committee for consideration.
With the assistance of the brigade, the persons who were sleeping in the building were fortunate to escape without injury, but having been trapped in the fire for some time, they were all severely traumatised.
Also granted amnesty were five security policemen for the explosion of a car bomb in a Hi-Ace motor vehicle in which people were killed. The offence was committed in April 1987 in Gaberone, Botswana. The applicants are Willem Momerg, Eric Goosen, Philip Crause, Wikus Johannes Loots and Johannes Van Der Merwe. The panel refused amnesty to Nkosinathi Emmenuel Mavuso for the murder of Michael Mcetywa and attempted murder of an innocent bystander.
Phila Ngqumba 021 - 4238741 or 4245161