(AM4126/96)

(AM4152/96)

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 Council offices at Central Western Jabavu, Soweto, during or about the period 1986 - 1987. The attack was planned and executed by the South African Security Police in order to boost the credibility of certain Security Police agents that had infiltrated the military structures of the African National Congress ("ANC") in exile. It was necessary to launch such staged attacks in order to maintain the front of these agents who constituted an important source of intelligence to the Security Police. The attack in question was authorised subject to the condition that no injuries or death should result from it and that the damage to the structures in question should be limited.

In execution of the order, the Applicants executed the attack by means of a controlled explosion of two F1 handgrenades that were obtained from the ANC in Botswana by the police agents. The two handgrenades were attached to the burglar bars on the stoep of the Council offices and were caused to detonate by means of a long rope attached to the detonators.

Having carefully considered the matter, we are satisfied that the applications comply with all of the requirements of the Act and amnesty is accordingly GRANTED to the Applicants in respect of all offences and delicts arising from the explosion caused at the Council offices at Central Western Jabavu, Soweto during or about the period 1986 - 1987.

DATED AT CAPE TOWN THIS 30TH DAY OF JANUARY 2001