AC/2001/187

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.

NICOLAAS JOHANNES VERMEULEN APPLICANT

(AM4358/96)

DECISION

The applicant applied for amnesty in respect of all offences and delicts directly linked to the killing of MK George and MK Brown in Swaziland.

The applicant testified that he was a member of the Special Task Force of the South African Police. This unit was not part of the Security Police but was ordered to assist in this operation because of the expertise of the members in dealing with dangerous situations. Their commander was General Wandrag who accompanied them to Swaziland border but stayed at or near the border post at Oshoek while the unit proceeded on foot across the border. The operational commander was Captain Strydom. The applicant himself crossed the border with members of the unit. He did not take part in the ultimate shooting but was ordered to form part of a back-up contingent to protect the active oeprational members during their retreat if necessary. He heard the gunfire and saw the car in which the two MK members were travelling go up in flames.

The facts and circumstances of this operation have been dealt with fully in the decision of Wandrag and others reported under AM4363/96; 4379/96; 7121/97; 7235/97; 4374/96; 7739/96; 7090/97; 4398/96; 4364/96; 5002/97 and 5000/97 decision in which amnesty was granted.

The Committee is satisfied that the applicant met the requirements of the Act given and amnesty is also GRANTED to him in respect of the same offences listed in that decision, namely:

1. The murder of persons known as MK Brown and MK George in Swaziland near the Oshoek border on or about 8 December 1981.

2. All offences and delicts directly related and connected with the murders and flowing from the facts deposed to.

SIGNED AT CAPE TOWN ON THIS THE 24TH DAY OF MAY 2001

A-J C DE JAGER

ADV S SIGODI

MR JB SIBANYONI

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