amntrans AMNESTY HEARINGS 2000-09-04 DURBAN 1 DEREK NAIDOO AM4017/96 https://sabctrc.saha.org.za/hearing.php?id=54454&t=&tab=hearings https://sabctrc.saha.org.za/originals/amntrans/2000/200904db.htm ON RESUMPTION MR MOERANE Thank you Chairperson. The next applicant I intend calling is Mr Derek Naidoo. DEREK NAIDOO (sworn states) EXAMINATION BY MR MOERANE Thank you, Chairperson. Mr Naidoo, how old are you? MR NAIDOO I am 40 years of age. MR MOERANE What is your present occupation? MR NAIDOO I'm an attorney. MR MOERANE In which firm. MR NAIDOO The firm Salashle, Pillay and Associates. MR MOERANE MR NAIDOO That is correct. MR MOERANE Were you a member of the African National Congress' underground movement? MR NAIDOO That is correct. MR MOERANE From what period? MR NAIDOO From 1984 to present. MR MOERANE You have heard the evidence of Dr Ramlakan, do you identify yourself with his sentiments with regard to the aims and objectives of the African National Congress in particular, it's armed wing, Umkhonto weSizwe? MR NAIDOO I do, Mr Chairperson. MR MOERANE MR NAIDOO I do Mr Chairperson. MR MOERANE What was your particular role in the Chatsworth Magistrate's Court matter? MR NAIDOO Chairperson, I was the member of the unit based in Chatsworth and my role in the bombing was to one, together with members of the unit, identify a probable target and also to planned and reconnoitre that particular target which I did on that particular day and days prior to that. MR MOERANE Who were in the units with whom you planned this operation? MR NAIDOO The members that were involved was David Madurai. MR MOERANE One of the applicants in this matter? MR NAIDOO One of the applicants in this matter. MR MOERANE Yes? MR NAIDOO It was Lenny Seventhra Naidoo who is now deceased. MR MOERANE Yes? MR NAIDOO And the commander of the unit was Raymond Metheraj Saclou. MR MOERANE Is that the gentleman whose name was mentioned during the testimony of Dr Ramlakan? MR NAIDOO That is correct. MR MOERANE Would you tell the Committee about Mr Metheraj and how you relate to him? MR NAIDOO Mr Metheraj was the commander of our unit and he had given evidence in my trial which was the State vs D Naidoo at which trial he was a State witness and I'm given to understand that by virtue of being a State witness he was given indemnity for the acts that we had committed. MR MOERANE Have you spoken to Mr Metheraj after the incidents and after your trial? MR NAIDOO I have spoken to Mr Metheraj after the trial but I did not speak to Metheraj immediately after the incident. MR MOERANE Yes, well what is your present relationship with Mr Metheraj? MR NAIDOO My relationship is one of cordiality. MR MOERANE The two of you have reconciled? MR NAIDOO We have Mr Chairperson. MR MOERANE You told the learned Committee that you were charged with offences arising out of the two incidents? MR NAIDOO Yes. MR MOERANE Were you convicted? MR NAIDOO I was convicted. MR MOERANE Sentenced? MR NAIDOO I was sentenced to five years imprisonment. MR MOERANE How much of that sentence did you serve? MR NAIDOO Two years, Mr Chairperson. MR MOERANE Was this in the Regional Court? MR NAIDOO It was in the Regional Court, that is correct. MR MOERANE Durban? MR NAIDOO Durban. MR MOERANE Do you associate yourself with the reasons why these two targets were chosen? MR NAIDOO I do Mr Chairperson. MR MOERANE Did you derive any financial or material benefits from your acts as a member of the ANC, Umkhonto weSizwe or from these operations in respect of which you are seeking amnesty? MR NAIDOO No, Mr Chairperson. MR MOERANE That is the evidence. NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BY MR MOERANE MR LAX Just one question if I may interpose? Did you have any personal grudge against any person like Mr Rajbansi? Did you know him personally? MR NAIDOO I don't harbour any personal grudge against Mr Rajbansi and the target obviously must be seen within the political context of the 1980's. MR LAX Yes. Thank you. CROSS-EXAMINATION BY MS CAMBANIS Thank you Chairperson. Sir, you were a member of unit and as such I take it that you never had any contact with Mr Raymond Lalla? MR NAIDOO No, I did not. MS CAMBANIS Thank you Chairperson, nothing further. NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BY MS CAMBANIS MS MOHAMED I have no questions, Chairperson. NO QUESTIONS BY MS MOHAMED MR MTHIYANE I have no questions, Chairperson. CHAIRPERSON Re-examination? MR MOERANE No re-examination. May the witness be excused? MR NAIDOO Thank you. WITNESS EXCUSED