Special Report Transcript Episode 26, Section 1, Time 00:14

This week was a turning point for the processes of truth, justice and reconciliation in South Africa. Apartheid’s most vicious killing machine, Eugene de Kock was sent to jail for virtually the rest of his living days. Five security policemen who are applying for amnesty from the Truth Commission lifted the veil on several unspeakable and sometimes bizarre acts of cruelty and cold blooded murder. And in the process the profile of another ruthless mass murderer is emerging, Vlakplaas warrant officer Joe Mamasela. But with the successes for justice and truth come uncomfortable questions. Should De Kock and the two right wingers who killed SACP leader Chris Hani get amnesty from the Truth Commission? These are some of the issues we address tonight. We’ll tell you the story of the long road to freedom of Johannesburg’s dark city, Alexandra. And of the woman who sacrificed a son once every decade since the 1970s to the quest for freedom. And we talk to Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who is threatening to quit the Truth Commission. But first, we deal with the amnesty applications of security policemen Jack Cronje, Jacques Hechter, Roelf Venter, Paul van Vuuren and Wouter Mentz. In May this year three Mamelodi women told the Truth Commission about the murder of their loved ones. Joe Mamasela confessed during the De Kock trial that he was involved in the abduction, torture and execution of Jackson Maake, Andrew Makupe and Harold Sefolo. But it was warrant officer Paul van Vuuren and Captain Jacques Hechter who applied for amnesty this week for these crimes.

Notes: Max du Preez

References: there are no references for this transcript