PAUL JACOBUS HATTINGH: (sworn states)
EXAMINATION BY MR BOOYENS: The applicant's application appears on page 235 of bundle 1.
Mr Hattingh, during consultations you pointed out to me that there were a number of aspects which need to be raised and that is on page 2 where you give the background of your career it has to be said that you were a member of the Detective Branch at Brakpan between 1973 and 1977 - yes the rest I just think relates to a typing error which I can correct. Do you confirm the contents of page 235 up to page 238?
MR HATTINGH: That is correct.
MR BOOYENS: You also heard the evidence of the former Minister of Law and Order and the Commissioner of Police and the other officers involved in this operation, is that correct?
MR HATTINGH: Yes.
MR BOOYENS: And as far as you can recall and are personally aware, you can confirm that is correct and you associate yourself with the political objectives as set out by the Minister and the Commissioner?
MR HATTINGH: Yes.
MR BOOYENS: At the time of these two incidents because you apply for amnesty for both Khotso and Cosatu Houses, you were the Lieutenant Colonel in charge of the explosives training unit and the bomb disposal unit?
MR HATTINGH: Yes.
MR BOOYENS: And on page 239 you state what you can recall about Khotso House namely that, and that's been confirmed by Brigadier Schoon, that you received an order from him to help General Erasmus and his men and that Colonel de Kock was also involved and that you ordered some of your members also to assist?
MR HATTINGH: That is correct.
MR BOOYENS: Is that as far as you can recall?
MR HATTINGH: Yes.
MR BOOYENS: Now as far as Cosatu House is concerned, the applications on page 243 and once again you say that you received an order from Brigadier Schoon and you told certain members to assist in the operation?
MR HATTINGH: Correct.
MR BOOYENS: You were aware that it was contemplated that the building should be damaged by means of explosives and by virtue of the fact that you were a security policeman you were aware of the allegations made regarding the activities of the organisations attached to both Khotso House and Cosatu House?
MR HATTINGH: Yes.
MR BOOYENS: And in both cases you personally associated yourself with this as a result of your own personal convictions, you saw it as an action in the struggle against the liberation movements?
MR HATTINGH: Yes.
MR BOOYENS: And you also associated yourself with the statements made by the other members as far as the political motivation is concerned?
MR HATTINGH: Yes.
MR BOOYENS: You heard the evidence of General Erasmus and Mr Zeelie that they visited you at some point, do you remember that?
MR HATTINGH: I don't specifically remember it but it's very possible.
MR BOOYENS: So you won't deny that?
MR HATTINGH: No.
MR BOOYENS: Do you confirm the contents of your application as being correct?
MR HATTINGH: Yes, chairperson.
MR BOOYENS: That's all Chair.
NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BY MR BOOYENS
CROSS-EXAMINATION BY MR DU PLESSIS: Mr Chairman, I have just one question.
Mr Hattingh you have heard what I've said that Mr Kotze will testify that you gave the orders with Khotso House and that there was an abortive attempt and then a second attempt. Would there be any reason why you could dispute that?
MR HATTINGH: No. I don't recall it specifically but it's possible.
NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BY MR DU PLESSIS
ADV GCABASHE: Thank you Chair. Just a couple of brief questions. When General Erasmus and Mr Zeelie visited you were they with Hammond and Coetzee or Kotze rather, or on their own?
MR HATTINGH: No, I don't remember that visit.
ADV GCABASHE: So as far you are concerned, you got an order from Brigadier Schoon and flowing from that you instructed your junior officer?
MR HATTINGH: That is correct.
ADV GCABASHE: Thank you.
WITNESS EXCUSED
