LARRY JOHN HANTON: (sworn states)
CHAIRPERSON: Thank you, Mr Hanton, you may be seated. Mr Nel?
EXAMINATION BY MR NEL: Thank you, Mr Chairman.
Mr Hanton, you're an applicant in these proceedings and your application is found in the bundle on page 151 and onwards, is that correct?
MR HANTON: That is correct, Mr Chairperson.
MR NEL: You've also attached in amplification of your political objectives, the submissions made by Gen van der Merwe to the TRC, which was dated the 21st of October '96, do you ask this Committee to incorporate that as part of your evidence?
MR HANTON: I do, Mr Chairperson.
MR NEL: Do you confirm the correctness of your affidavit, save for corrections that we'll make?
MR HANTON: I do, Mr Chairperson.
MR NEL: Just before we carry on, is it correct at a previous hearing we handed in documentation to prove that you suffer
from post-traumatic stress disorder and the result of that is that you suffer from poor memory?
MR HANTON: That is correct, Mr Chairperson.
MR NEL: And that was accepted by the Committee then.
MR HANTON: That is correct, Mr Chairperson.
MR NEL: At the time of this incident you were a member of the police, stationed at Vlakplaas, under the command of Col de Kock.
MR HANTON: I was, Mr Chairperson.
MR NEL: This incident specifically, you were tasked to be one of the guards outside Khanya House.
MR HANTON: That is correct, Mr Chairperson.
MR NEL: You did not enter the premises at all?
MR HANTON: No, Mr Chairperson.
MR NEL: Were you carrying a weapon at all on the evening?
MR HANTON: No, Mr Chairperson.
MR NEL: Did you know at all when you went to Khanya House that there were people in the building?
MR HANTON: No, Mr Chairperson.
MR NEL: You heard later or after the event that there in fact people in the building?
MR HANTON: That is correct, Mr Chairperson, although I can't remember how I heard, when I heard.
MR NEL: Did you receive a reward for your participation in this event?
MR HANTON: No, Mr Chairperson.
MR NEL: You ask then for amnesty for arson and any other offence that goes along with your participation in this event, is that correct?
MR HANTON: That is correct, Mr Chairperson.
MR NEL: Thank you, Mr Chairman, that is the evidence.
NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BY MR NEL
CHAIRPERSON: Thank you, Mr Nel. Mr Hattingh, any questions?
MR HATTINGH: I have no questions, thank you Mr Chairman.
CHAIRPERSON: Mr van der Merwe?
MR VAN DER MERWE: I have no questions thank you, Mr Chair.
NO QUESTIONS BY MR VAN DER MERWE
MR WAGENER: Chairman, I have no questions, thank you.
MR JANSEN: Thank you Chair, no questions.
MR JOUBERT: Thank you Chair, no questions.
CHAIRPERSON: Thank you. Mr Lamey?
MR LAMEY: No questions, thank you.
CHAIRPERSON: Thank you. Mr du Plessis?
MR DU PLESSIS: No questions, Mr Chairman.
CHAIRPERSON: Thank you. Mr Cornelius?
MR CORNELIUS: I have no questions, thank you Mr Chair.
CHAIRPERSON: Thank you. Ms Cambanis?
CROSS-EXAMINATION BY MS CAMBANIS: Thank you, Chair.
Mr Hanton, I assume it was the first time that you'd been to Khanya House, that evening?
MR HANTON: It was, Mr Chairperson.
MS CAMBANIS: And you stood outside, you know nothing about the inside of Khanya House, is that correct?
MR HANTON: No, I don't, Mr Chairperson.
ADV SANDI: Sorry, can I just ask.
Did you know of this place before you went there? Did you know about it?
MR HANTON: No, I heard it the day of the operation.
ADV SANDI: No, what I'm asking, did you know that there was this place known as Khanya House, before you went there?
MR HANTON: Oh, when I went there, yes that night, yes. I heard about it yes, before. Before the briefing I didn't know about it.
MS CAMBANIS: And the whole time you were outside, so you know nothing about what happened inside the building, is that correct?
MR HANTON: That is correct, Mr Chairperson.
MS CAMBANIS: And after the operation, it wasn't discussed amongst yourselves due to secrecy of who done what, is that correct?
MR HANTON: That's correct, Mr Chairperson.
MS CAMBANIS: At the briefing I'm sure you were not told anything about the building being a residence, were you?
MR HANTON: Not that I can remember, Chairperson.
MS CAMBANIS: Yes. And you definitely don't recall who else was involved, is that correct?
MR HANTON: That is correct, Mr Chairperson.
MS CAMBANIS: Thank you, Chairperson, there is nothing further.
NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BY MS CAMBANIS
CHAIRPERSON: Thank you, Ms Cambanis. Ms Patel?
MS PATEL: Thank you, Honourable Chairperson, no questions.
CHAIRPERSON: Thank you. Advocate Bosman?
ADV BOSMAN: No questions, thank you Chair.
ADV SANDI: Yes, just one question.
If you were not armed whilst you were standing outside, how were you hoping to protect and defend yourself if anyone came to attack you?
MR HANTON: Chairperson, I can't remember what I had, but it was possible I had the so-called cosh, basically a lead ball covered in leather, which is highly effective if used correctly.
ADV SANDI: Thank you. Thank you, Chair.
CHAIRPERSON: Do you recall when you started supporting Inkatha?
MR HANTON: It was during the period that I was transferred. I was at Durban Security Branch, Mr Chairperson.
CHAIRPERSON: That would be during the '70s?
MR HANTON: No, no, it was early '90s, Mr Chairperson, the '90s.
CHAIRPERSON: And prior to the '90s, did you support any political party?
MR HANTON: That National Party, Mr Chairperson.
CHAIRPERSON: Thank you. Mr Nel, any re-examination?
RE-EXAMINATION BY MR NEL: Just one question on the question of Adv Sandi, as to what my client would have used in defence.
Mr Hanton, is it correct that during this incident you were a lot slimmer and fitter than what you are now?
MR HANTON: Very much so, Mr Chairperson.
MR NEL: I have nothing further, thank you Mr Chairperson.
NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BY MR NEL
CHAIRPERSON: Is it because there's not much activity now?
MR NEL: Vlakplaas has been disbanded, Sir.
CHAIRPERSON: Thank you very much, Mr Hanton, you are excused.
ADV BOSMAN: I was going to say, Mr Hanton, that I wouldn't quarrel with you in your present condition.
MR NEL: It's a good thing I'm his attorney, Ma'am.
CHAIRPERSON: Thank you, what is the arrangement?
MR CORNELIUS: Mr Chair, I believe I'm on the podium again, I call Mr Flores.