Decisions

: 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 explosions that were caused by the Applicants at the Bryanston and Randburg power stations during or about the period 1983 to 1984. The Applicants were at all material times, members of the Security Branch of the South African Police and were acting within the course and scope of their employment as such.

The explosions were staged attacks launched in order to boost the credibility of certain agents of the Security Police that had infiltrated the African National Congress ("ANC") in exile. In order to maintain the front of these agents and to boost their credibility in the ANC ranks, the police authorities ordered that these attacks be launched subject to the strict condition that there should be no loss of life or injuries nor substantial damage to the power stations in question, which were State assets. A specific order was issued that no damage should be caused to any of the transformers at the power stations. Two mini limpet mines were used in the attacks and were placed on the respective power stations in such positions that minimal damage would be caused to the structure. The limpet mines were detonated only after the area was surveilled in order to ensure that no-one was present in the vicinity. ANC slogans were painted on the structures in order to enhance the credibility of the attack. All of the Applicants participated to varying degrees in the incident.

Having carefully considered the matter, we are satisfied that the applications comply with all the requirements of the Act and that the incidents constitute acts associated with a political objective as envisaged in Section 20 of the Act. In the circumstances, amnesty is hereby GRANTED to the Applicants in respect of all offences and delicts encompassed by the attacks with limpet mines on the Bryanston and Randburg power stations during or about the period 1983 - 1984.

DATED AT CAPE TOWN THIS 31ST DAY OF JANUARY 2001