AC/2000/046

TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION

AMNESTY COMMITTEE

APPLICATION IN TERMS OF SECTION 18 OF THE PROMOTION OF NATIONAL UNITY AND RECONCILIATION ACT, NO.34 OF 1995.

PUSELETSO JULIA SKOSANA APPLICANT

(AM 5486/97)

DECISION

The Applicant applies for amnesty in respect of an attack she launched alone against Duduza hostel during 1993. She threw a handgrenade into the building.

There was political conflict between the ANC and the IFP around 1993. At that time she was an SDU commander and head of intelligence. The political objective she intended to achieve was to defend the community which was under attack by the hostel dwellers who were IFP members.

After thorough investigations, which included a visit to the local police station at Duduza, it was found that no person was injured nor killed and no damage to property was established. The hostel had been evacuated prior to the attack.

After careful consideration, the Committee accepts the evidence and information placed before it by both the Applicant and the TRC's investigators.

In the circumstances we are satisfied that the attack was an act associated with a political objective in terms of the criteria set out in the provisions of Section 20 of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act, No. 34 of 1995. The Applicant has complied with all the requirements of the Act relating to the technical aspect thereof and the issue of full disclosure.

The Applicant is therefore GRANTED amnesty in respect of:

1. Attempted malicious damage to the Duduza hostel during 1993;

2. Illegal possession of a handgrenade at the time and place referred to above;

3. Any offence or delict arising directly from the incident in question.

DATED at CAPE TOWN this 5th day of April 2000. Signed: