Truth Commission Special Report
Decision - 59495

Type: AMNESTY DECISIONS
Names: DOUW GERBRANDT WILLEMSE
Matter: AM3721/96
Decision: REFUSED
URL: https://sabctrc.saha.org.za/hearing.php?id=59495&t=&tab=hearings
Original File: https://sabctrc.saha.org.za/originals/decisions/2001/ac21214.htm
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DECISION

The Applicant has applied for amnesty in respect of a number   of incidents most of which had been finalised at public hearings of the Amnesty   Committee.  The present matters are being dealt with in chambers.  Applicant's   personal circumstances and background as a member of the Security Branch of   the former South African Police have been fully canvassed at the said hearings   and will not be repeated herein.  The specific incidents will be dealt with   separately.

FALSE CLAIMS

According to Applicant's written amnesty application he   submitted fraudulent claims on some occasions, although he indicates that this   was not for personal gain.  The money was apparently used to facilitate the   work of the Security Police.  Some of the money was, for example, applied to   purchase tyres for vehicles utilised by the Security Police.  On other occasions   the money was used to entertain themselves.  In addition, their commander, Colonel   De Kock, also gave them small of money from time to time.  Applicant also used   some of the money to go out dining with his wife.

Having considered the matter, it is clear that the funds   in question raised through fraudulent claims were not used for any activities   directly associated with a political struggle.  As such, the application does   not comply with the requirements of the Act and amnesty is accordingly REFUSED.

WEAPONS

In the course of Applicant's activities while he was stationed   at Vlakplaas during the period 1986 - 1991, he was involved in transporting   arms and explosives from Ovamboland in Namibia to Vlakplaas.  This happened   on two occasions when all of the items were placed in the weapons store at Vlakplaas.    On another occasion, Applicant assisted with testing home-made shotguns, on   the instructions of his commander, Colonel Eugene de Kock.  Apart from the fact   that the weapons in question were moved on one occasion from Vlakplaas to another   farm in the vicinity, Applicant has no knowledge of the eventual fate of the   arms and explosives.

Having considered the matter, it is clear that the activities   in question were not unlawful.  The application accordingly does not disclose   any offence and in the result amnesty is REFUSED.

DATED AT CAPE TOWN THIS 31ST DAY   OF MAY 2001

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