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 certain activities engaged in by the Applicant as a member of the African National Congress ("ANC"), the South African Communist Party ("SACP"), the National Union of Metal Workers and the Congress of South African Trade Unions during or about the period 1988 until 1994.
During the period in question, Applicant was charged with the responsibility of arranging protection for the leadership of the workers' unions to which he was attached in KwaZulu Natal. To this end, Applicant established and commanded a defence structure and, inter alia, procured illegal arms and ammunition for the proposes of the defence structure. Although Applicant is unable to furnish full particulars of all the weaponry that was procured, these included to the best of his recollection, 7 or 8 AK47 assault rifles and between 5 and 10, 9mm handguns. Applicant was also involved in the legal and illegal acquisition of ammunition for these weapons.
Having carefully considered the matter, we are satisfied that Applicant's aforesaid activities related to the political conflict at the time. We are accordingly satisfied that Applicant's actions constitute acts associated with a political objective as envisaged by the Act and that he has made a full disclosure of all relevant facts.
In the circumstances, amnesty is GRANTED to the Applicant in respect of all offences and delicts arising from his participation in a defence structure for union leaders in KwaZulu Natal during or about the period 1988 until 1994, which included the unlawful possession of arms and ammunition as specified above.
DATED AT CAPE TOWN THIS 24TH DAY OF JANUARY 2001
