AC/2001/013

The applicant applies for amnesty for arson, that in 1961 he placed an explosive device in the Rissik Street Post Office, Johannesburg. he was charged and convicted of the offence. A sentence of three (3) years' imprisonment was imposed which he served at Pretoria Central Prison. At the relevant time he was a member of Umkhonto weSizwe ("MK"), the military wing of the African National Congress ("ANC"). Presently he is an ANC Member of Parliament in the National Assembly at Cape Town.

After considering all available information on the matter, we are of the view that the applicant has complied with the requirements of the Act. The offence committed is an act associated with a political objective in terms of the Act, and he appears to have given a full disclosure.

Amnesty is accordingly GRANTED to Ben Turok for arson.

DATED AT CAPE TOWN THIS 23RD DAY OF JANUARY 2001.

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