: DECISION
This is an application for amnesty in terms of the provisions of Section 18 of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act, No.34 of 1995 ("the Act"). The matter relates to an explosion at the Klipspruit, Soweto home of a police agent Sebastiaan Reed during or about 1985 - 1986. The explosion was caused by the Applicants on orders from their Security Police superiors at the time.
The background to the incident briefly is that the security and cover of Sebastiaan Reed was compromised as a result of the arrest of certain members of Umkhonto weSizwe, the military wing of the African National Congress. It became necessary for the Security Police to remove Mr Reed from his home in order to secure his life. It was, however, imperative to create a credible basis for doing so in order to avoid any suspicion being raised which might compromise the position of Mr Reed.
In the result a decision was taken to cause an explosion at Reed's home which would render his moving home, credible. In execution of this decision, the Applicants, with the knowledge and co-operation of Reed, caused an explosion inside the house by means of a handgrenade with a weakened charge. Minor damage was caused to the interior walls of the house. This had the desired effect of creating a credible basis for Mr Reed moving out of Klipspruit.
Having carefully considered the matter, we are satisfied that the applications comply with all of the requirements of the Act and amnesty is accordingly hereby GRANTED to the Applicants in respect of all offences and delicts arising from the explosion at the house of Sebastiaan Reed situated at Klipspruit, Soweto, during or about 1986 - 1987.
DATED AT CAPE TOWN THIS 29TH DAY OF JANUARY 2001
