Truth Commission Special Report
Decision - 59493

Type: AMNESTY DECISIONS
Names: ANTON PRETORIUS
Matter: AM4389/96
Decision: GRANTED
URL: https://sabctrc.saha.org.za/hearing.php?id=59493&t=&tab=hearings
Original File: https://sabctrc.saha.org.za/originals/decisions/2001/ac21211.htm
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DECISION

This is an application in terms of the provisions of Section   18 of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act, No. 34 of 1995   ("the Act").  The Applicant had applied for amnesty in respect of   a number of incidents most of which had been finalised, some pursuant to public   hearings of the Amnesty Committee.  Applicant's personal background and activities   as a member of the Security Police had been fully canvassed in both the earlier   hearings and decisions of the Committee.  The present matter is being decided   in chambers and relate to an explosion at a railway line near Johannesburg during   or about the period 1983 - 1984.  Applicant is unable to recall the specific   date.

At the relevant time, Applicant and some of his colleagues   were engaged in handling certain Security Police sources who had infiltrated   the underground structures of Umkhonto weSizwe ("MK") the military   wing of the African National Congress ("ANC").  These sources had   been ordered by MK to execute certain operations inside South Africa, including   the destruction of the main railway line between Johannesburg and Durban with   an explosive device.  After the matter was discussed with Applicant's superiors,   it was decided that the Security Police should arrange for a controlled explosion   on a railway line near Johannesburg in order to enhance the credibility of the   sources with MK.  The Security Police authorities specifically ordered that   no deaths or bodily injuries should result from the explosion and the target   should be damaged as little as possible.  In execution of this plan, a limited   explosion was caused on an alternative, auxiliary railway line and a further   charge was placed on the main railway line between Johannesburg and Durban but   was not detonated.  The latter charge was "discovered" by the police   and neutralised before it could detonate.  Arrangements were made for the media   to give full coverage to the explosion, in order to ensure that the information   should reach the MK authorities.  No loss of life or injuries resulted from   the explosion.

Having considered the matter, we are satisfied that the   incident was directly associated with the political struggle which was waged   at the time by the then government against the liberation movements.  We are   accordingly satisfied that the incident constitutes aan act associated with   a political objective as envisaged in the Act.  Amnesty is accordingly GRANTED   to the Applicant in respect of all offences arising from an explosion which   occurred at an auxiliary railway line at or near Johannesburg during or about   the period 1983 - 1984.

DATED AT CAPE TOWN THIS 30TH DAY   OF MAY 2001

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