Special Report Transcript Episode 7, Section 8, Time 35:50

The courts have become an important tool for people who don’t like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In the latest round, four policemen and former policemen have sued the former Cape MEC for safety and security, Dennis Neer, for defamation after he told the Truth Commission in Port Elizabeth that they were involved in assaulting or torturing him. One of the policemen is Gideon Niewoudt who was last reconvicted of multiple murder. Since the beginning of the Truth Commission process there have been fears that the witness could be sued for defamation. But in legal opinion given to the Truth Commission senior advocates state they believe that witnesses before the Commission enjoy substantial protection if they act honestly and in good faith. From tomorrow the Truth Commission will have hearings in Worcestor and on Wednesday the full story of Siphiwo Mtimkulu will at last be told in Port Elizabeth after it had been stopped twice by court orders. Our team will be at both hearings and next Sunday evening we’ll give you the full picture. Thank you for staying with us. Good night.

Notes: Max du Preez

References: there are no references for this transcript