decisions AMNESTY DECISIONS 1998-02-05 LEONARD MICHAEL VEENENDAAL AC/98/0002 AM 3675/96 REFUSED https://sabctrc.saha.org.za/hearing.php?id=58560&t=&tab=hearings https://sabctrc.saha.org.za/originals/decisions/1998/980205_veenendaal.htm DECISION Having considered the application and relevant documentation the Amnesty Committee REFUSES the applicant amnesty, the reason being that the applicant still denies that he stole the motor vehicle, or that he had any knowledge that the motor vehicle was stolen. He denies involvement or knowledge that the motor vehicle was stolen. He does not admit any facts that can found a conviction. He says he is guilty of not telling the police the true identity of the person from whom he got the motor vehicle, but hastens to deny involvement or any knowledge that the vehicle was stolen. Although he might have used the vehicle for a political purpose, the persistent denial is a problem. We are not a Court of Appeal. Obviously the Magistrate disbelieved him, hence the conviction. We have turned down many such applications in the past, otherwise we would have opened the door for people to deny guilt, while at the same time receiving amnesty. The Applicant's request for amnesty in respect of the theft of a motor vehicle stolen on or about 30th June 1993 at Pretoria and North Natal (Newcastle) is therefore REFUSED . SIGNED ON THIS THE 5TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 1998. JUDGE B.N NGOEPE ADV.N. SANDI