Truth Commission Special Report
Decision - 59511

Type: AMNESTY DECISIONS
Names: PHILIP RUDOLPH CRAUSE
Matter: AM4125/96
Decision: GRANTED
URL: https://sabctrc.saha.org.za/hearing.php?id=59511&t=&tab=hearings
Original File: https://sabctrc.saha.org.za/originals/decisions/2001/ac21229.htm
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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 Applicant had applied for amnesty in   respect of a number of incidents all of which, bar the present matter, had already   been finalised.  Applicant's personal circumstances and his activities as a   member of the Security Branch of the then South African Police are fully recorded   in the previous matters and do not warrant repetition herein.

Applicant is unable to recall the exact date of the incident   which forms the subject matter of the present decision.  He does recall, however,   that it occurred during the period when he was stationed at Zeerust which was   during the period 1971 - 1986.  He held the rank of Lieutenant at the time.    On the day in question, Applicant was approached by Captain Dirk Coetzee who   was in the company of other members of the Security Police.  They informed Applicant   that they were on their way to Gabarone in Botswana to execute a certain operation   aimed at eliminating African National Congress ("ANC") members there.    Applicant had to assist the group of operatives to enter Botswana.  He and another   colleague (now deceased) travelled to the Botswana border with  the group who   were to execute the operation.  The latter group entered Botswana while Applicant   and his colleagues remained at the border.  They were later rejoined by the   group that had gone into Botswana.  According to Applicant's information, a   woman was injured in the operation.

Having considered the matter, we are satisfied that the   Applicant was acting within the course and scope of his duties as a member of   the Security Police at the time.  The incident clearly formed part of the cross-border   operations launched by the South African Security Forces to counter the activities   of the liberation movements, including the ANC, in the neighbouring countries.    We are accordingly satisfied that the incident constitutes an act associated   with a political objective as envisaged in the Act and amnesty is accordingly   GRANTED to the Applicant in respect of all offences directly resulting from   his conduct in having rendered assistance to a group of his colleagues to enter   Botswana with the purpose of eliminating members of the ANC, during or about   the period 1971 - 1986.

DATED AT CAPE TOWN THIS 31ST DAY   OF MAY 2001

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