Truth Commission Special Report
Decision - 59442

Type: AMNESTY DECISIONS
Names: ABRAHAM CHRISTOFFEL KENDAL
Matter: AM3757/96
Decision: GRANTED
URL: https://sabctrc.saha.org.za/hearing.php?id=59442&t=&tab=hearings
Original File: https://sabctrc.saha.org.za/originals/decisions/2001/ac21160.htm
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DECISION

The Applicant previously applied for amnesty in respect   of a number of incidents which were dealt with at hearings of the Committee.    The present matter is being dealt with in chambers.

At all material times Applicant was a member of the Security   Branch of the South African Police.  During or about September - October 1988   Applicant was ordered by his commander to immediately proceed to Port Elizabeth   in order to arrange for the homes of two members of the Labour Party, namely   Reverend Alan Hendrickse and Reverend Chris April, to be attacked with handgrenades.  

In execution of this order he took a South African Airways   flight to Port Elizabeth where he conveyed the order to the divisional head   of the Security Police both in Port Elizabeth and Oudtshoorn.  The Security   Police in Oudtshoorn were sceptical about the feasibility of the plan and indicated   that Reverend April, who was residing in Oudtshoorn, was hardly ever home.    Applicant emphasised in his discussions with his colleagues in Port Elizabeth   and oudtshoorn that the order explicitly provided that no persons should be   killed or injured in the attacks.  Applicant eventually returned to Johannesburg   and heard the following day over the radio news that the home of Reverend Hendrickse   in Uitenhage was attacked with a handgrenade.  No-one was injured in the attack.

Having considered the matter, we are satisfied that the   Applicant acted on the orders of his superiors and that the planned action against   the targets was directly associated with the political conflict at the time.    The targets in question were political leaders who were opposing the policy   of the then government.  

In the circumstances we are satisfied   that the application complies with all the requirements of the Act and amnesty   is accordingly hereby GRANTED to the Applicant in respect of all delicts and   offences arising from his relaying an order to attack the home of Reverend Alan   Hendrickse in Uitenhage during or about September - October 1988.

DATED AT CAPE TOWN THIS 9TH DAY   OF MAY 2001

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