The Applicant makes application for amnesty in terms of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act, No. 34 of 1995 as amended (the Act) in respect of the unlawful possession of a firearm. He has withdrawn an application in respect of an attack on the Mshayazafe Hostel.
He was a member of the local Self-Defence Unit (SDU) at Thokoza and was issued a firearm to help protect the residents from political attacks raging in the area during 1994.
The phenomena of SDUs is well known and were operating during the time in order to defend communities.
Clearly the Applicant's unlawful possession of the firearm was committed for political reasons.
The Committee is therefore satisfied that the Applicant has complied with all the formalities and requirements of the Act.
In the result he is GRANTED amnesty in respect of the unlawful possession of a firearm during 1994.