~G.~j }~ l( Independent Boord of Inquiry
PO Box 32293 8raomfonleln 2017 JoIxlnnesburg South Afnca Phone (011) A03-325617 Fax (011) A03-1366
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT BOARD OF INOUIRY FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 1991
CONTENTS: I. INTRODUCTION: ______1-3_ • II_STATE INSTITUTIONS: l.The South African Police (SAP) • ...... 4-5
2. Welverdiend Unrest Unit ...... •••• 6-7
3. South African Defence Force (SADF) ...... 7
III. RIGHT WING: 1.The Aftermath of Ventersdorp ...... 8-9 2.The Orde Borevolk Hunger strike ...... 9-12 3. Increasing Militancy of the Conservative Party ...... 13 4. Trials involving Rightwingers ...... 13-14 • IV_ATTACKS ON INDIVIDUALS: ______14-16 V_ REEF VIOLENCE:
1 . East Rand ...... •...... 16-19
2. Soweto ...... 19-23
3.Sebokeng ...... •.•...... 23-24
4 . Swaniev ille ...... •...... 24 -2 5
5.Koster ...... 25-26 VI_TRAIN ATTACKS: ______26-28
BOARD ME'...-:BE?S ~. : oJur~ ACKerrnonr S>' "':e ,oceS'';:'k .. ,. A;e.ol BorOire Mrs Judy Chomers VIII. NATAL: 1. The Maphumulo Inquest ...... 31-32 2. The Trust Feed Massacre ...... 32-33 3. General ...... 33 • IX. CISKEI; •• . •.•••••. .. ..••••••••••••• ·33-38 X. CONCLUSION; ••••••••••••••••....••.•• ·· · ·39 • - 1- I. INTRODUCTION : At least 121 people lost their lives in the week prior to the signing of the National Peace Accord (NPA) , and although • there has been a marked drop in the number of deaths since the signing, sporadic attacks on individuals commuters and communities continue. The assassination of Civic Associations of the Southern Transvaal (Cast), general secretary, Sam Ntuli in Thokoza on the East Rand has raised fears that violence could break out in the area once again. The situation in Thokoza remains t e n s e following the ma ssa cre of 23 Inka tha supporters on • Sunday September B. Despite the NPA being formally adopted by the government, the African National Congress (ANe) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), it is clear that the NPA has not had much impact on the ground, for example, since the signing, at least 1 5 - 2- people have been killed and scores injured . Recent attacks have focused on commuters travelling by train. Concern has also been expressed this month over the behaviour and actions of certain members of the SAP based in ~ carletonville and Potchefstroom. The Board is currently assisting members of the special task force appointed by state President FW de Klerk to investigate allegations of alleged police involvement in violence, and the board has played a key role in the recent suspension of 11 policeman based at the Welverdiend unrest unit in the area . However, it seems clear that on one level the Board is receiving full co-operation from the head of the investigation team but on another there seems to be an all out effort to undermine the investigation at every turn. Since the investigation got • underway in June this year 10 people involved in the investigation, have been arrested, including one of the board's researchers and the local ANC chairperson in the area . The Board has expressed concern over the arrests and trusts that they are not an attempt to frustrate the investigation particularly as part of the bail conditions prevent the Board's researcher and the ANC chairperson being within SOOm of Carletonville Police station and the Carletonville Magistrate's Court . -3- A matter of particular concern, this month , regarding the security forces is the announcement that the Vlakplaas unit is to be expanded by incorporating former members of the Koevoet unit. Both these units have had numerous allegations of misconduct laid against them. Several allegations about 4t police involvement in the Natal violence have also come to light in recent months and these will be tested in court during october. The fear that the issue of the three right wing hunger strikers would lead to unity amongst right wing organisations has proved unfounded. The strike has ended and numerous allegations have been made that it was not in fact a bona fide strike . The most disturbing development in this area is the militant stand which the Conservative Party h a s taken • following its Transvaal congress. The message of the party i s that a white general election must be called or they will be forced to extra parliamentary methods and such methods do no t exclude violence. -4- II. STATE INSTITUTIONS 1. The South African Police. In the Vrye Weekblad of August 30 it was revealed that four ~ men, who had recently returned to South Africa from ANC camps in Africa , had signed statements in which they admitted to being security police agents. The four are Raymond Bongani Malinga , Alpheus Kheswa, Samuel Mpho Motjoadi and Patrick Dlongwana. Between them they admit to the murder of 23 anti- apartheid activists including united Democratic Front leader and human rights lawyer victoria Mxenge. The men all claim that they were severely tortured by the ANC and were forced to make the admissions. However none of them deny that they were agents of the state. The ANC deny that any of the • statements were made under duress. In response the SAP state d that it is against official policy to identify informants but that notice had been taken of the allegations and that the men will be contacted in the course of an official investigation. - 5 - Further information that has come to light in this area is that despite requests from many parties, including the Board , the Vlakplaas Askari unit is not to be disbanded but in fact will be expanded with the inclusion of members of the Koevoet unit which operated in the then South West Africa (Vrye tt Weekblad 20/9/1991) . This unit was the ofLicial SAP anti-insurgency unit in the country and there were numerous allegations of the use of excessive brutality by the unit in the course of the bush war. It appears hard to reconcile the expansion of this unit, in this manner, with the new image which the SAP are striving for in this country. On August 28, Morris Mondau, who claimed to be a police agent recruited to spy on PWV regional secretary Barbara Hogan was, presented to the media by the ANC. The man had been • apprehended at the ANC's regional office and found to be in possession of a two way radio. He then claimed to be a police agent and said that his handler was a Van Wyk. One of the police officers with whom Hogan often liaises is a Colonel Van Wyk. The police denied that the ANC was being spied upon as a political organisation but said that no ANC member was above the law . -6- 2. Welverdiend Unrest Unit: The Board and the Carletonville ANC branch continue to assist the SAP appointed special investigation team investigate serious allegations of abuse against members of 4It the Welverdiend Unrest Unit. However, despite the Board's full co-operation the investigation continues to be undermined. Since the investigation began in June, eight people who have laid charges or who are potential witnesses to the investigation have been arrested, five of whom now face charges ranging from possession of a firearm and ammunition to robbery. There has been strong evidence to suggest that certain members of the SAP are not in favour of the investigation and have opened cases against potential witnesses in an attempt to frighten them off testifying • should the attorney general decide to prosecute. A further development has been the arrest and subsequent charging of one of the Board's researchers and the local ANC chairperson. The two have been charged with intimidation and assault of a police officer. The Board's researcher is also -7- on a second charge of criminal injuria. Obviously, the arrest of potential witnesses does not bode well for the investigation, particularly when the SAP is at 4It this juncture attempting to improve its image. The SAP is constantly asking people to come forward and help with investigations but experience in Khutsong has proved that it is not always as simple as that. 3. The South African Defence Force (SADF). Felix Ndimene, who was formerly a sergeant with the Fifth Reconnaissance Regiment (5 Recce), has returne d to his home • country of Mozambique. Ndimene claims that he was abducted from the country in 1982 by the SADF and forced to serve with 5 Recce . He has made a number of allegations about the unit, including their involvement in the Reef conflict (see previous reports). In a statement to the press Ndimene said that he is prepared to testify before any credible commission of inquiry but that he had not been prepared to co-operate with the SAP as he feared for his own safety within South Africa. - 8 - III . RIGHT WING The following issues dominated this area in September: the aftermath of the ventersdorp incident, the hunger strike of • the Orde Boerevolk (OB) members, the increasing militancy of the Conservative Party (CP) and the sentencing of two Durban right wingers. 1. The Aftermath of Ventersdorp . (For details on the incident itself see August report). Following threats from the Afrikaner Weerstand Beweging (AWB) that the meeting would be disrupted, the National Party (NP) • announced that a meeting in Parys, which was to be addressed by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Kraai van Niekerk, had been cancelled. The Democratic Party (OP) said that in doing so the NP had set a dangerous precedent. The CP said that the cancellation of the meeting indicated that the NP was no longer in touch with the feelings of the "Volk". The AWB announced that they were waiting for the next meeting (The star 27/8/1991). Information from police sources indicated -9- that AWB members from allover the country were going to converge on the meeting bearing firearms and that if the police fired teargas at the right wi ngers t his would be r eturned in kind (Beeld 28/8/1991). 4It In response the NP announced that in the future tickets will be issued to people who wish to attend the Party's meetings and that only such ticket holders would be admitted. On August 28 a NP meeting at Dewetsdorp in the Orange Free state went off without incident. However after the meeting Andries Beyers , Chief Secretary of the CP, said that until there was another white election it would not be safe for the NP to hold any public meetings . Eugene Terre' Blanche, leader of the AWB, announced that his organisation would continue to • "organise aga;inst such meetings" (Rapport 1/9/1991) . 2. The Order Boerevolk Hunger strike. The hunger strike by three OB members, Henry Martin, Adriaan Maritz and Load van Schalkwyk, was the major issue of early September for most right wing groupings (for further details on the three see August report) . By late August the three had all been on hunger strike for over five weeks with Martin -10- having gone without food for nine weeks. All three were moved to H F Verwoerd hospital and every day right wing groupings held demonstrations outside the hospital . On August 29, after the government had announced that no indemnity would be granted to the three, they announced that they would fast • until they died (The star 29/ 8/1991). In an unprecedented move various anti- apartheid movements came out in support of the men ' s demand for their release. The general secretary of the South African Council of Churches, Rev Frank Chikane, said that he was concerned for the lives of the three individuals. ANC president, Nelson Mandela expressed " keen disappointment" at the goverment's ~ decision (The Citizen 30/ 8/ 1991). On their side, right wing groupings were unanimous in their support for the three men and at one stage it appeared as if they could become a rallying point for the entire right wing. Eugene Terre'Blanche said that after the events of ventersdorp the government could not afford to have another three corpses on their hands. Leader of the CP, Dr Andries Treurnicht, called for the release of the three on - 11- humanitarian grounds . Robert van Tonder leader of the Boerestaatparty said that the governments decision was an absolute disgrace (Beeld 30/8/1991). Finally 06 leader Nic strydom said that if the three were not released then right wing violence was a strong possibility . • The chance that the issue could unify the right wing fell away after the trio were visited by Nelson Mandela. Mandela came to visit them in order to discuss their alleged involvement with elements of the security forces (see August Report). Whilst the visit was requested by the 08 it was condemned by virtually every other right wing grouping and caused the deputy leader of the OB, Caen Vermaak, to resign in protest (Beeld 3/9/1991). Another issue of contention between the OB and other groups is the former's commitment to • negotiations with all parties including the ANC. Mandela went on to have a meeting with State President F W de Klerk to call for the release of the men but the government refused to budge on the issue (The Star 3/9/1991). Finally the three ended the strike on September 9 and announced that they would be accepting the governments offer of R5000 bail each. Martin claimed to have been o n strike for -12- 63 days, Maritz for 56 days and Van Schalkwyk for 49 days. Soon hereafter indications began emerging that these figures were not correct. By September 12 the three were eating solid foods according to the Department of Correctional Services. According to medical experts this was weeks ahead of schedule • (Business Day 12/ 9/ 1991). After reviewing reports of medical tests done towards the end of the strike, David Green, director of the National Medical and Dental Association, said that it was unlikely that bona fide hunger strikers would have suffered such minimal damage after so prolonged a f~st (Business Day 13/ 9/ 1991). Meanwhile, in reaction to allegations that a security policeman was part of the striker's OS cell and had given the 4It orders that the Durban parQel bomb be sent, the SAP said that the person involved was a trainee constable. The man has been suspended and is to be a state witness in the court case (The star 30/ 8/ 1991). The three men maintain that they were agents for Military Intelligence and have said that they will give evidence to this effect at the proposed commission on violence and intimidation. -13- 3. Increasing Militancy of the Conservative Party. In mid September the CP held their Transvaal congress and it was marked by a far more militant tone than earlier congresses. Amongst the proposed motions was a proposal that • all NP public representatives be tried for treason should the CP come to power (Business Day 12/ 9/ 1991). Dr Andries Treurnicht, leader of the CP, said that whites would never submit to a black government and that the peace accord was the first step to giving the ANC control over the security forces (The Sunday Star 15/ 9/ 1991). Deputy leader of the CP, Dr Ferdi Hartzenberg, said that any constitutional change in the country would be seen as an act of aggression by the party. He also made it clear that, if necessary, whites would turn to viole nce to achieve their aims. Koo s va n d e r Me rwe • said that the CP should infiltrate and take over the SADF s o that "we will be able to use it when the time comes to fight" (The Citizen 16/ 9/ 1991). 4. Trials involving Right Wingers. In Durban on September 13, David Botha, an AWe "konunandant and Adriaan Smuts, an AWe "veldkornet", were each given seven -15- that earlier in the day , four men had come to his home looking for his son . He said the men were strangers and that he had informed t hem t hat his son was not at home . Ntuli ' s death comes only a day after he met with Inkatha officials to • discuss the implementation of the peace accord . Mystery surrounds the death in Diepkloof, Soweto of Papa John Manyakalla, a member of the South African Communist Party and ANC Youth League. Police have claimed that he committed suicide after his parents found his body in the outside toilet with a bullet wound in the left ear on Friday September 20 1991. He was last seen alive on September 19. He was found by his parents squatted on the toilet floor, motionless and cold. Along side him lay a pistol placed next to his radio . (Weekly Mail 27/09/ 1991). Manyakalla ' s parents claim that on September 19 they spotted two vehicles parked outside their house and that when they went to bed the vehicles were still there. When the police were summoned following the discovery of the body, they claimed it was suicide. However, Manyakalla's father Isaac, said that his son was right handed and the bullet wound was in the left ear. He also said if his son had shot himself with his left hand, he would have been unable to replace the gun on his -14- death sentences for an attack on a bus in Durban on October 9 1990 in which seven black commuters were killed. The men also had links with the OB. During the trial they said it was the official policy of the 08 that for every white person killed by a black, ten blacks must die. They claimed that their 4It attack had been in revenge for the fatal stabbing of a white civilian by a black man, which had occurred on the Durban beach front earlier that day. IV. ATTACKS ON INDlVlDUALS Despite the signing of the NPA attacks on individuals continue, political activists seem to be the main targets. On Sunday September 29, cast general secretary Sam Ntuli was gunned down in Thokoza on the East Rand . Witnesses claim they • saw a blue Toyota Cressida, registration unknown follow Ntuli's car and attempt to force it off the road. When Ntuli ' s car stopped the killers fired at him as they overtook his car. They then apparently sped down the road, turned back and drove towards Ntuli's car again and fired at it before disappearing. Ntuli's body had 12 bullet wounds all inflicted by an AK47. Earlier this year Ntuli's home in Thokoza was attacked and a young girl was injured. Ntuli's father claimed -16- right side. Apparently there was very little blood in the toilet, suggesting that he was killed somewhere else and dumped in the toilet . ... V.REEF VIOLENCE : • 1. EAST RAND: Thokoza: Confusion still surrounds the massacre of 23 Inkatha members in Thokoza on the East Rand on Sunday September 8, 1991. IFP youth leader Themba Khoza has claimed that a man claiming to be a member of the ANC was arrested shortly after the attack . • Khoza says that the man was arrested with an AK47 which was still "very hot l! from use. He alleges that the man was placed in a policevan and that several Inkatha members then questioned the man who claimed that he was a member of Umkhonto we Sizwe the armed wing of the ANC and that he had trained in Maputo, Mozambique and that he had recently returned to the country. Khoza also claimed that the man said he was from Soweto and that he had received orders from the -17- ANC NEe to attack Inkatha in Thokoza. It is worth noting that members of the SAP have flatly denied that they arrested anyone on the day and said that Khoza ' s a l legations were ll "blat ant 1ies • Police have subsequently released an identikit of a man wanted for questioning in connection with 4It the attack. The latest information is that a man fitting the description of the identikit was arrested in Alberton on Saturday September 28, following an attempted bank robbery . The police have not as yet positively linked the man arrested in Alberton to the Thokoza attack. Inkatha ' s Thokoza secretary , Abraham Mzizi alleged that two men opened fire on members of the Hostel Dwellers ' • Association which has close ties with the IFP, as they were marching to the local stadium to hold a peace meeting . The police however claim that three men were involved in the attack and that they opened fire from a house as the marchers passed by. A week before the attack the IFP had distributed a pamphlet in the area, announcing the peace meeting at the local -18- Thokoza stadium. On the day of the attack several buses, taxis and trucks entered the township carrying IFP supporters . other IFP members marched to the township from hostels in Katlehong. The atmosphere in the township prior to the attack was tense as local residents feared there would be • a break out of violence following the rally. From all accounts it would seem that the first group of hostel dwellers made it safely to the stadium. At about lOhOD, 300 IFP members from the local hostel were marching towards the stadium which is situated about 2km from the hostel. Residents claim that the men were heavily armed and that they were allegedly intimidating people as they passed. The group were about 500rn from the stadium when they were fired on by people wielding AK 47's. After the incident the scheduled rally was cancelled and members of the SAP escorted the IFP • members back to the hostel. The allegations made by Khoza that the attack was planned by the ANC have been denied. Following the incident both the ANC and Inkatha blamed agents provocateur for the carnage. Both organisations claimed that the attack was provoked with the aim of derailing the peace process. The Board is continuing its investigation into the attack. -19- Vosloorus: Three days after the attack on IFP members in Thokoza, four bus passengers were killed in Vosloorus when a man without .., any reason opened fire with an AK 47 rifle. The bus driver allegedly tried to turn the man away because the bus was full, he then apparently opened fire. An eyewitness claimed the man did not ask any questions as he cold-bloodedly shot the driver and then turned his attention to the passengers. There were also unconfirmed reports that the attacker left the scene in a mini-bus from which more shots were fired at the bus. • 2. SOWETO: Mofola South: Simmering tensions in Mofolo reached fever pitch early this month when members of the IFP went on the rampage killing local residents. Themba Khoza of the IFP Youth Brigade claimed that the IFP had attacked the residents after hearing of the attack on their members in Thokoza. On Sunday -20- September 8, the day of the attack the IFP had gathered to launch a branch in Motolo Central . Residents in the area refused to allow the IFF members to gather and thus the IFP decided to proceed to the Dobsonville Stadium. According to residents as the IFP members passed their homes they threw • stones and damaged several house along the route. The crowd of IFF supporters remained at the Dobsonville Stadium for at least three hours. Trouble started when the IFP members left the stadium at about 16hOO , eyewitnesses claim that members of the crowd started breaking windows and looting homes in White city and Mofolo Central. Residents also claim that members of the SAP arrived but failed to intervene, instead they provided the me n with an escort and according to some residents the looted • goods were placed in police casspirs. Fourteen people were confirmed dead in the area. Most of the victims were old- age pensioners who were unable to move when their homes were attacked. In one instance they attacked and killed Mr Simelane, a blind man. Simelane apparently owned two shops and members of the IFP removed the day's takings. Perhaps the most brutal attack was the massacre of the Motsoeneng family. Elliot Motsoeneng returned to his Mofolo Central home from a -21- stokvel only to find that his wife, young daughter, elderly mother and sister had been brutally murdered. Mr Motsoeneng said he returned home at about 15h30 and that from a distance he could see Inkatha members i n the streets. " Some were in my yard and the police were outside . I was to scared to go in . • People were running away_ When the Inkatha people moved off I asked the police if I could go inside and see what was going on. I saw my dog lying in the yard, still chained. They had shot it and stabbed it!! . When Mr Motsoeneng first entered the house he found the body of his elderly mother, she was covered in blood. He then entered her bedroom where he found his sister lying next to the bed , she had been stabbed and shot . Inside the cupboard he saw his daughter Jenett (16) she had been stabbed and her • jeans were partly pulled down. Mr Motsoeneng said that he believed that his daughter and sister had been raped. He then started looking for his wife, he found her behind a pile of blankets, she too had been stabbed and shot. The attackers also stole the family television set, radio, wall clock and some money . They also broke the wardrobes and the dinning room suite. -22- • At a house in White City, Jabavu a pregnant woman, Rebecca Mothapo was stabbed and shot. She is presently in a critical condition in Baragwanath. Her brother who was allegedly sleeping at the time of the attack was stabbed to death. At another house in White City, Jabavu a pensioner was stabbed • t o death while she lay hidden under her bed. Later in the evening the crowd of IFP members ran into an ANC aligned group of youths at the Crossroads intersection in Soweto. A confrontation ensued between the two groups. Several hand grenades were thrown and several IFP members were killed in the clash. Members of the SAP who were allegedly accompanying the IFP members at the time fled the scene . After the clash the remaining IFP members made their • way to the Nancefield Hostel allegedly continuing their attacks on local residents. In most of the statements taken shortly after the attack, residents claim that their homes were looted a nd when they asked the SADF or the SAP to intervene they refused . One woman alleges that when she asked the SADF to help her, she was told t o run as another group of Inkatha people were -23- approaching . One victim claimed that Inkatha members hijacked a truck in full view of members of the SADF in order to remove her belongings. • Mshenguville: Sporadic attacks in Mshenguville continue. Six people were killed and several others injured when renewed fighting broke out in the area at the beginning of the month . One of the latest victims was a five-year- old child who was shot twice in the stomach. At least 30 people have lost their lives in the squatter camp since the violence began in July . Squatters attempting to flee the violence in the camp have become the latest victims. They are alleg'edlY prevented from leaving by members of Inkatha . Residents claim that they have • had to pay up to R40 before being allowed to dismantle their shacks and leave the area. Sebokeng: Eight men awaiting trial on 38 charges of murder following the attack on the night vigil of Christoffel Nangalembe were granted bail of R3 000 each in the Vanderbijlpark -24- Magistrate ' s Court this month . However, one of the accused, David Mabothe failed to appear in court and a warrant for his arrest has been issued . A spokesperson for the police said that although seven of the men had been in prison until the • granting of bail , Mabothe had been released earlier to appear in another case in the vereeniging Magistrate ' s Court . He paid bail in regard to the charge in Vereeniging and his current whereabouts are unknown. Khetisi Kheswa dubbed the "Vaal Monster" by residents in the area was sentenced along with h is mot her t o six years imprisonment for illegal possession of arms . However, residents claim that despite Kheswa being sentenced they have seen him in the township. , A report in the city Press of • September 29 claims that Kheswa is out on R3 000 bail pending his appeal against sentence. swanieville : Five men joined seven others who appeared in the Krugersdorp Magistrate's Court this week in connection with the Swan ieville massacre which left 29 people dead and many - 25- injured . The men were not asked to plead and the case was postponed . Koster: .. On Satur day September 28 1991, one of the Board's researchers was passing through Koster. On the road travelling towards Koster , several buses carrying members of the IFP were passed . Approximately five kilometres from the town centre a road block manned by members of the SAP had been set up. The Board ' s researcher' s car was stopped and thoroughly searched. There were some Board reports in the car as well as some ANC publications. Members of the SAP then radioed for a senior officer to come down to the r oad block to check the documents. While this was happening , two of the buses filled • with IFP members arrived. They were clearly armed with pangas , knobkerries , and spears . The buses were not searched and allowed to continue through the roadblock. On the other hand all taxi's and cars who clearly had no IFP members inside were stopped and searched. Passengers were made to get out of the cars and taxis and all their belongings were searched. No such searches were carried out on IFP members in the buses . After about seven minutes, a captain arrived from -26- Koster, the researcher ' s documents were returned and she was allowed to proceed . It was subsequently reported that there were sporadic clashes in Reagile township in Koster between members of the IFP and • ANC. The IFP had attended a funeral in the area and apparently started throwing stones at residents when leaving the funeral . Residents allegedly retaliated by firing on Inkatha members . VI . TRAIN ATTACKS: Train commuters have borne the brunt of terror attacks this month . They have been targeted in only what can be described • as a deliberate campaign of mass terror . However, it is not only train commuters who are being attacked, passengers in taxi's and buses have been targeted . Attacks which took part in the early part of t he month were seen as deliberate attempts to derail the peace process . But subsequent attacks have taken place without regard for the identity of the victims. The first attack on commuters took place on September 2, when scores of taxi ' s and private vehicles were -27- stoned as they passed the Nancefield Hostel. Reports were also received that people alighting at Nancefield station were being attacked by people allegedly belonging to the IFP. A member of the IFP was shot on a Soweto bound train on • september 16, making him the tenth victim to die in political violence since the signing of the peace accord on September 14. The IFP said that two men boarded the train between Inhlazane and Merafe stations at about lShOO saying they were looking for Zulus. They apparently opened fire and killed an IFP supporter. On September 17 about 60 armed Selby Hostel dwellers harassed commuters at the westgate railway station and bus terminus . The men who were armed with shields, sticKs, and spears and wearing white headbands, left the hostel at about 06h50 and began threatening and chasing • commuters. Nobody was injured and the group returned to the hostel after the police arrived. The hostel dwellers had allegedly gone to the station after they had heard rumours that a hostel dweller had been killed at a nearby cafe . There was apparently no substance to the rumour and once this was established the men returned to the hostel. -28- On September 19 a man was killed and five policemen were injured in three incidents of violence on Soweto-bound trains during the peak period . The SAP claims that seven policemen were on duty on a train to Naledi when they were approached by several passengers at Phomolong Station. The commuters • told the police that they were being attacked in another coach . When the policemen went to investigate they were attacked with knobkerries and sticks. Three policemen drew their pistols and fired shots, however the men managed to escape. A police spokesperson said that leaders of the hostel dwellers at Dube had complained that the police had fired unnecessarily in this incident. The SAP announced this month that the two alleged ringleaders of the Jeppe train massacre last year which claimed the lives • of 26 people were "without doubt" Inkatha members. Police released their names and said a top priority search was on. A third suspect has been arrested and is due to appear in court soon. - 29- VII. THE NATIONAL PEACE ACCORD: The National Peace Accord was signed in Johannesburg on September 14 1991, despite the presence of heavily armed Inkatha Freedom Party members outside the venue and the • upsurge of violence in the Reef townships. A last minute compromise between the Inkatha Freedom Party and the ANC on the key issues of traditional weapons and private armies saved the day. The mechanisms proposed by the accord are unique in terms of the powers they give to parties and individuals outside the Government to exercise control over violence. Chief among these will be a permanent paid, multiparty National Peace committee - with subordinate regional and local committees - to enforce codes of conduct for the police and political parties to try to prevent • political violence; and a police ombudsman - who need not be a menber of the SAP - to investigate complaints against the police. other important elements of the peace accord include: * A code of conduct for the police which holds members accountable to society, not to the Government, and stresses - 30- restraint on police handling of political unrest and violence . * A code of conduct for political parties which forbids them from making any statements inciting violence or conducting • any act which may cause violence . * The appointment of a police board, with equal representation for the force and members of the public, to advise on future policing policy . * The setting up of special police units, headed by a general, to investigate allegations of misconduct by members of the SAP • • * The creation of a special unit, also headed by a general, to investigate political violence. * The setting up of special criminal courts to deal solely with cases of political violence. * The requirement that political parties refrain from violence and actively discourage members and supporters from carrying weapons to political meetings. -31- * A commitment by the Government to devote funds for the reconstruction and resettlement of communities ravaged by political violence . The signing of the peace accord is indeed a step in the right • direction, however, the question still remains whether the supporters of the individual parties who signed the accord will honour the peace initiative as their own or merely pay lip- service to it. VIII., . NATAL ; • 1 . The Maphurnulo Inquest . • The inquest into the death of Chief Mhlabunzi ma Maphumulo i s continuing (for details on the murder see March report). Key witness, Sipho Madlala, who is under ANC protection, alleges that several killers were employed by a security policeman to murder the Chief. He also claims that, whilst he was not directly involved in the Chief's assassination, he was involved in a number of other attacks against anti-apartheid activists, all on the orders of security policemen . These attacks dated back to 1986 (The Sunday Star 8/9/1991). • ..f . iF -32- However, at an identification parade, Madlala was unable to pick out two of the policemen who he alleges gave him his orders (The star 18/9/1991). He further alleged that the police had drawn up a "hit list" of Natal activists which was t opped by ANC Midlands leader and National Executive • Committee member Harry Gwala ( Business Day 19/9/1991). Later in the month, at a second identification parade, Madlala was able to pick out two SADF members, whom he alleges were members of a hit squad (The Sowetan 26/9/1991). 2. The Trust Feed Massacre. (For details of the incident see August report) . Seven policemen, two captains, a sergeant and four special • constables, have now been arrested in connection with this incident. The state alleges that the massacre took place on the orders of the late Major Deon Terblanche. Terblanche was the head of the Pietermaritz~urg riot unit at the time. Further allegations by the state are that the attack took place on the request of a local Inkatha leader, Jerome Gabela. Shortly after the massacre IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi said that Inkatha would sue if any newspaper or individual blamed Inkatha for the killing. Later he claimed - 33- that, following investigations by his lawyer, it had been established that the victims had been members of Inkatha. The trial, in which these issues will be addressed, is set down for October 15 (The Sunday Star 15/9/1991) . • 3. General. According to the latest report of the Democratic Party's Unrest Monitoring Group there has been no significant abatement of the violence in the area. At least 97 people died during August bringing the total for the year to close to BOO. It is thus abundantly clear that the peace agreement signed between the IFP and the ANC in February of this year has had • little or no effect. IX.CISKEI The crisis in Ciskei continues to dominate the region. The military government remains in conflict with the regional ANC and other organisations and relations with Transkei do not seem to have improved noticeably . Military ruler Brigadier - 34- Oupa Gqozo has also lost his covert military grouping, International Researchers/Ciskei Intelligence Services, which was reportedly closed down at the end of August. In an apparent attempt to secure more support, the Ciskei government has moved closer to the Inkatha Freedom Party. • Gqozo has revived a system of local government which may be used to give his supporters influential positions and is promoting his African Democratic Movement' (ADM). Gqozo also appears to be trying to get the support of former Lennox Sebe supporters: in an extraordinary move, he told a Johannesburg journalist that Sebe was welcome to return home. "We told him all is forgiven and he should return home peacefully," said Gqozo . • 1.1 International Researchers/Ciskei Intelligence Services . Last month, in response to continued pressure the South African authorities finally forced Ciskei to close down IR/CIS (see previous reports). On August 30, the military government announced that the unit had been closed and that its functions would be taken over by the ciskei Defence Force (CDF). The night before, south - 35- African Director-General of Foreign Affairs, Neil van Heerden, admitted at a public meeting that the SADF chief, General Kat Liebenberg, would have told Gqozo to close down the unit at an earlier meeting as it was becoming an embarrassment , although Van Heerden went on to deny that • South Africa had any links with the unit . Although the unit has been officially closed down, there are fears that the former members will continue to operate as individuals or even that a similar group under a different name will be set up to continue the same work. Points of concern: * The Ciskei Intelligence Service Decree, issued on April 4 • this year, which allowed for the setting up of CIS (effectively allowing International Researchers to change its name to Ciskei Intelligence Services rather than a new unit being set up ) has not been ".. ithdrawn; * IR/CrS chief Anton Nieuwoudt told a Bisho court on September 17 that the Ciskei government had offered him another contract identical to the one just terminated. Although Niewoudt told the court that he intended going -36- farming in the Transvaal, he mentioned that when ANC officials from the region travel to the USA next year, "we" will be there to meet them . * IR/CIS member Paul Oeschger appears to be working now as • Brigadier Gqozo's bodyguard. Two more men linked to the unit, Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Nel and colonel Ockert Swanepoel,appeared to be retaining their positions in Military Intelligence. Other operatives used by IR/CIS were not necessarily officially employed by the unit and will presumably remain in their jobs. * It is known that the unit had a collection of weapons which were initially stored in a house in the ministerial compound . • At the time the weapons arrived unit members were told that South African officials had no knowledge of the weapons being brought in. Ciskei has refused to disclose where the weapons are or what they are intended for. 1.2 The Sebe/Guzana inquest. The inquest into the deaths of Ciskei rebels Charles Sebe and onward Guzana is continuing in the Bisho Supreme Court. The -37- key part of the inquest revolves around, firstly, the question of whether Ciskei authorities initiated a !l false coup" plot or merely played along once they heard of a genuine plot; and secondly, the position of the IR/ers unit • in the operation which led to the deaths . Allegations have been made that IR/ CIS planned and controlled the operation. Unit chief NieuwQudt has denied this, instead stating that they provided the intelligence information which resulted in the COF setting up roadblocks to stop Sebe and Guzana. There were also allegat ions that State President F W de Klerk and Foreign Affairs minister pik Botha knew of and supported • the alleged c oup attempt, which South African officials have since publicly denied . 1 . 3 The African Democratic Movement (ADM) Gqozo's new grouping, the ADM, is being seen as an attempt to secure himself a position in negotiations and as the base for a future alliance with both the IFP and the South African government. The ADM has been closely linked to the change in • -38- local government, with newly appointed chiefs and headmen seen as promoting the Movement. 1.4 The Inkatha Connection • Last month Gqozo secretly met with Inkatha Youth Brigade leader Musa Myeni. Myeni's travel and accommodation costs for the meeting appear to have been paid by Unidata, a national information processing company which claimed that' the Myeni trip was on their behalf to sell a new pensions programme to Ciskei and there was no link to Inkatha. Myeni called it a "private, friendly visit" that was "non political" (ECNA 10/9/1991). At the time Inkatha denied plans for the two groupings to get together and Ciskei refused to confirm the • meeting. Since then links with Inkatha have become more open. On September 2 Gqozo was seen on SASe TV with IFP leader Mangosuthu Suthelezi calling on all moderate leaders to join together. • -39- X. CONCLUSION: It is unfortunate that whilst most political movements in the country appear to be genuinely committed to moving towards peace and finding solutions to the violence which has savaged ( • large parts of South Africa , the CP should threaten violence if their political demands are not met . It is even more unfortunate that they refuse to corne to the negotiation table in an attempt to settle those demands . When an extreme right wing group like the Orde Boerevolk recognises the need for discussion surely the CP should realise that a stand like theirs will in no way contribute to peace and stability in south Africa. The moves taken by the SAP to make themselves more accountable to the public at large, as set out in the • Peace Accord, are to be welcomed, as are the ongoing investigations into allegations of police misconduct around the country. However, if the SAP want to move to the position of having the image of being non partisan and apolitical, they will have to make dramatic moves to shed the political baggage of the past. units like Koevoet and Vlakplaas were used for political policing and as such have a political image. There is no place for such units in the new police force. Independent Boord of Inquiry PO Box 32293 Braomfonleln 2017 Johannesburg South Afrco Pi'<:Jre (011) 403-3256/7 fox (011) 403-1366 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT BOARD OF INOUIRY FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 1991 CONTENTS : I. INTRODUCTION: ______1-3_ • II_STATE INSTITUTIONS: 1 . The South African Police (SAP) .....•.. 4-5 2. Welverdiend Unrest unit ..• ...... 6-7 3. South African Defence Force (SADF) ...... 7 III. RIGHT WING: l.The Aftermath of Ventersdorp ...... 8-9 2.The Orde Borevolk Hunger strike ...... 9-12 3. Increasing Militancy of the Conservative Party ...... 13 4. Trials involving Rightwingers ...... 13-14 • IV. ATTACKS ON INDIVIDUALS: ... . • . • ... , . • 14-16 V. REEF VIOLENCE: 1. East Rand ...... ••.•••••.••.... 16-19 2. Soweto ...... 19-23 3. Sebokeng .....•...•...... 23-24 4 . Swanieville ..•.••••...... •.•.....•.. 24-25 5.Koster ...... 25-26 VI-TRAIN ATTACKS: ______. ___ • __ • ____ 26-28 8()AR')MP"'BE~ j:):UILc\... r A-ker/'T'OM.JA:enBoeSOk D'~Aaorolne ',ls~CIiomers QevDrFork,r ylEt D' tv10x Coleman. M' &01 Cumf'!. Prot ..Jo/'V'l D..qotd Ms Sl"'eeno D..rco·'l. Mr Peter t'OI'ns Mr Peter Ke:-ct'"t'lOff. Mrs lydO KOf'"lOe. Mrs ErTfT'IO fv10sr n ...... Br )...Ide PEterse. ArCI"lt::llShOp Desmond Tutu VII. NATIONAL PEACE ACCORD ••••••.•..••.• 29-31 VIII. NATAL: 1. The Maphumulo Inquest ...... 31-32 2. The Trust Feed Massacre ...... 32-33 3. General ...... 33 • IX. CISKEI: . •• .....•.•... •••••...... 33- 38 X. CONCLUSION: ...... 39 • - 1 - I . INTROQUCTION : At least 121 people lost their lives in the week prior to the ~ signing of the National Peace Accord (NPA) , and although there has been a marked drop in the number of deaths since the signing, sporadic attacks on individuals commuters and communities continue . The assassination of Civic Associations of the Southern Transvaal (Cast) , general secretary, Sam Ntuli in Thokoza on the East Rand has raised fears that violence could break out in the area once again . The situation in Thokoza remains tense following the massacre of 23 Inkatha supporters on • Sunday September 8. Despite the NPA being formally adopted by the government, the African National Congress (ANe) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFF), it is clear that the NPA has not had much impact on the ground, for example, since the signing, at least 15 -2- people have been killed and scores injured. Recent attacks have focused on commuters travelling by train. Concern has also been expressed this month over the behaviour and actions of certain members of the SAP based in Carletonville and Potchefstroorn. The Board is currently • assisting members of the special task force appointed by state President FW de Klerk to investigate allegations of alleged police involvement in violence, and the board has played a key role in the recent suspension of 11 policeman based at the Welverdiend Unrest unit in the area. However, it seems clear that on one level the Board is receiving full co-operation from the head of the investigation team but on another there seems to be an all out effort to undermine the investigation at every turn. Since the investigation got • underway in June this year 10 people involved in the investigation, have been arrested, including one of the board's researchers and the local ANC chairperson in the area. The Board has expressed concern over the arrests and trusts that they are not an attempt to frustrate the investigation particularly as part of the bail conditions prevent the Board's researcher and the ANC chairperson being within soam of Carletonville Police Station and the Carletonville Magistrate's Court. -)- A matter of particular concern, this month, regarding the security forces is the announcement that the Vlakplaas unit is to be expanded by incorporating former members of the Koevoet unit. Both these units have had numerous allegations of misconduct laid against them. Several allegations about police involvement in the Natal violence have also come to • light in recent months and these will be tested in court during October. The fear that the issue of the three right wing hunger strikers would lead to unity amongst right wing organisations has proved unfounded. The strike has ended and numerous allegations have been made that it was not in fact a bona fide strike. The most disturbing development in this area is the militant stand which the Conservative Party has taken • following its Transvaal congress. The message of the party is that a white general election must be called or they will be forced to extra parliamentary methods and such methods do not exclude violence. - 4- II. STATE INSTITUTIONS 1. The South African Police. In the Vrye Weekblad of August 30 it was revealed that four ~ men, who had recently returned to South Africa from ANC camps in Africa, had signed statements in which they admitted to being Security police agents. The four are Raymond Bongani Malinga, Alpheus Kheswa, Samuel Mpho Motjoadi and Patrick Dlongwana. Between them they admit to the murder of 23 anti-apartheid activists including United Democratic Front leader and human rights lawyer Victoria Mxenge. The men all claim that they were severely tortured by the ANC and were forced to make the admissions. However none of them deny that they were agents of the state. The ANC deny that any of the • statements were made under duress. In response the SAP stated that it is against official policy to identify informants but that notice had been taken of the allegations and that the men will be contacted in the course of an official investigation. -5- Further information that has come to light in this area is that despite requests from many parties, including the Board l the Vlakplaas Askari unit is not to he disbanded but in fact will be expanded with the inclusion of members of the Koevoet unit which operated in the then South West Africa (Vrye ~ Weekblad 20/9/1991). This unit was the official SAP anti- insurgency unit in the country and there were numerous allegations of the use of excessive brutality by the unit in the course of the bush war. It appears hard to reconcile the expansion of this unit, in this manner, with the new image which the SAP are striving for in this country. On August 28, Morris Mondau, who claimed to be a police agent recruited to spy on PWV regional secretary Barbara Hogan was, presented to the media by the ANC. The man had been • apprehended at the ANC l s regional office and found to be in possession of a two way radio. He then claimed to be a police agent and said that his handler was a Van Wyk. One of the police officers with whom Hogan often liaises is a Colonel Van Wyk. The police denied that the ANC was being spied upon as a political organisation but said that no ANC member was above the law. -6- 2 . Welverdiend Unrest Unit: The Board and the Carletonville ANC branch continue to assist the SAP appointed special investigation team investigate serious allegations of abuse against members of • the Welverdiend Unrest Unit. However, despite the Board's full co- operation the investigation continues to be undermined . Since the investigation began in June, eight people who have laid charges or who are potential witnesses to the investigation have been arrested, five of whom now face charges ranging from possession or a tlrearm and ammunition to robbery. There has been strong evidence to suggest that certain members of the SAP are not in favour of the investigation and have opened cases against potential witnesses in an attempt to frighten them off testifying • should the attorney general decide to prosecute. A further development has been the arrest and subsequent charging of one of the Board ' s researchers and the local ANC chairperson. The two have been charged with intimidation and assault of a police officer. The Board's researcher is also -7- on a second charge of criminal injuria. Obviously, the arrest of potential witnesses does not bode well for the investigation , particularly when the SAP is at ~ this juncture attempting to improve its image. The SAP is constantly asking people to come forward and help with investigations but experience in Khutsong has proved that it is not always as simple as that. 3. The South African Defence Force (SADF1. Felix Ndimene, who was formerly a sergeant with the Fifth Reconnaissance Regiment (5 Reece), has returned to his home • country of Mozambique. Ndimene claims that he was abducted from the country in 1982 by the SADF and forced to serve with 5 Reece. He has made a number of allegations about the unit, including their involvement in the Reef conflict (see previous reports). In a statement to the press Ndirnene said that he is prepared to testify before any credible commission of inquiry but that he had not been prepared to co- operate with the SAP as he feared for his own safety within South Africa. -8- III . RIGHT WING The following issues dominated t his area in September: the aftermath of the Ventersdorp i ncident, the hunger strike of ... the Orde Boerevolk (DB) members , the increasing militancy of the Conservative Party (CP) and the sentencing of two Durban right wingers . 1 . The Aftermath of Ventersdorp. (For details on the incident itself see August report) . Following threats from the Afrikaner Weerstand Beweging (AWB) that the meeting would be disrupted, the National Party (NP) • announced that a meeting in Parys, which was to be addressed by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Kraai van Niekerk, had been cancelled . The Democratic Party (OP) said that in doing so the NP had set a dangerous precedent. The CP said that the cancellation of the meeting indicated that the NP was no longer in touch with the feelings of the "Volk" . The AWe announced that they were waiting for the next meeting (The Star 27/8/1991). Information from police sources indicated - 9 - that AWB members from allover the country were going to converge on the meeting bearing firearms and that if the police fired teargas at the right wingers this would be returned in kind (Beeld 28/8/1991) . • In response the NP announced that in the future tickets will be issued to people who wish to attend the Party's meetings and that only such ticket holders would be admitted. On August 28 a NP meeting at Dewetsdorp in the Orange Free state went off without incident. However after the meeting Andries Beyers, Chief Secretary of the CP, said that until there was another white election it would not be safe for the NP to hold any public meetings. Eugene Terre/Blanche, leader of the AWB, announced that his organisation would continue to • "organise aga,inst such meetings" (Rapport 1/9/1991). 2. The Order Boerevolk Hunger Strike. The hunger strike by three OB members, Henry Martin, Adriaan Maritz and Load van Schalkwyk, was the major issue of early september for most right wing groupings (for further details on the three see August report). By late August the three had all been on hunger strike for over five weeks with Martin -10- having gone without food for nine weeks. All three were moved to H F Verwoerd hospital and every day right wing groupings held demonstrations outside the hospital. On August 29, after the government had announced that no indemnity would be granted to the three, they announced that they would fast • until they died (The star 29/8/1991) . In an unprecedented move various anti-apartheid movements came out in support of the men's demand for their release. , The general secretary of the South African Council of Churches, Rev Frank Chikane, said that he was concerned for the lives of the three individuals. ANC president, Nelson Mandela expressed "keen disappointment" at the goverment's • decision (The Citizen 30/8/1991) . On their side, right wing groupings were unanimous in their support for the three men and at one stage it appeared as if they could become a rallying point for the entire right wing. Eugene Terre'Blanche said that after the events of Ventersdorp the government could not afford to have another three corpses on their hands. Leader of the CP, Dr Andries Treurnicht, called for the release of the three on -11- humanitarian grounds. Robert van Tonder leader of the Boerestaatparty said that the governments decision was an absolute disgrace (6eeld 30/8/1991). Finally 06 leader Nic strydom said that if the three were not released then right • wing violence was a strong possibility . The chance that the issue could unify the right wing fell away after the trio were visited by Nelson Mandela. Mandela came to visit them in order to discuss their alleged involvement with elements of the security forces (see August Report). Whilst the visit was requested by the OB it was condemned by virtually every other right wing grouping and caused the deputy leader of the OB, Coen Vermaak, to resign in protest (Beeld 3/9/1991). Another issue of contention between the OB and other groups is the former's commitment to • negotiations with all parties including the ANC. Mandela went on to have a meeting with state President F W de Klerk to call for the release of the men but the government refused to budge on the issue (The Star 3/9/1991). Finally the three ended the strike on September 9 and announced that they would be accepting the governments offer of R5000 bail each. Martin claimed to have been on strike for -12- 63 days, Maritz for 56 days and Van Schalkwyk for 49 days. Soon hereafter indications began emerging that these figures were not correct. By September 12 the three were eating solid foods according to the Department of Correctional Services. According to medical experts this was weeks ahead of schedule • (Business Day 12/ 9/ 1991). After reviewing reports of medical tests done towards the end of the stri ke, Da vid Green, director of the National Medical and Dental Association, s a id that it was unlikely that bona fide hunger strikers would have suffered such minimal damage after so prolonged a fast (Business Day 13/ 9/ 1991). Meanwhile, in reaction to allegations that a security policeman was part of the striker's OS cell and had given the ~ orders that the Durban parGel bomb be sent, the SAP said that the person involve d was a trainee constable. The man has been suspended and is to be a State witness in the court case (The Star 30/ 8/ 1991). The three men maintain that they were agents for Military Intelligence and have said that they will give evidence to this effect at the proposed commission on violence and intimidation. - 13 - 3. Increasing Militancy of the Conservative Party. I n mid September the CP held their Transvaal congress and it was marked by a far more militant tone than earlier congresses . Amongst the proposed motions was a proposal that • all NP public representatives be tried for treason should the CP corne to power (Business Day 12/9/1991). Dr Andries Treurnicht, leader of the CP, said that whites would never submit to a black government and that the peace accord was the first step to giving the ANC control over the security forces (The Sunday star 15/9/ 1991). Deputy leader of the CP, Dr Ferdi Hartzenberg, said that any constitutional change in the country would be seen as an act of aggression by the party . He also made it clear that, if necessary , whites would .. turn to violence to achieve their aims. Koos van der Merwe said that the CP should infiltrate and take over the SADF so that I' we will be able to use it when the time comes to fight" (The Citizen 16/ 9/ 1991). 4. Trials involving Right Wingers . In Durban on September 13, David Botha, an AWB "kommandant and Adriaan Smuts, an AWB "veldkornet", were each given seven -14- death sentences for an attack on a bus in Durban on October 9 1990 in which seven black commuters were killed. The men also had links with the OB. During the trial they said it was the official policy of the 08 that for every white person killed by a black, ten blacks must die. They claimed that their • attack had been in revenge for the fatal stabbing of a \<"hite civilian by a black man, which had occurred on the Durban beach front earlier that day. IV. ATTACKS ON INDIVIDUALS Despite the signing of the NPA attacks on individuals continue, political activists seem to be the main targets. On Sunday September 29, cast general secretary Sam Ntuli was ... gunned down in Thokoza on the East Rand. Witnesses claim they saw a blue Toyota Cressida, registration unknown follow Ntuli's car and attempt to force it off the road. When Ntuli's car stopped the killers fired at him as they overtook his car. They then apparently sped down the road, turned back and drove towards Ntuli's car again and fired at it before disappearing. Ntuli's body had 12 bullet wounds all inflicted by an AK47. Earlier this year Ntuli's home in Thokoza was attacked and a young girl was injured. Ntuli's father claimed -15- that earlier in the day, four men had come to his home looking for his son. He said the men were strangers and that he had informed them that his son was not at home. Ntuli's death comes only a day after he met with Inkatha officials to • discuss the implementation of the peace accord . Mystery surrounds the death in Diepkloof, Soweto of Papa John Manyakalla, a member of the South African Communist Party and ANC Youth League . Police have claimed that he committed suicide after his parents found his body in the outside toilet with a bullet wound in the left ear on Friday September 20 1991 . He was last seen alive on September 19. He was found by his parents squatted on the toilet floor, motionless and cold. Along side him lay a pistol placed next ~ to his radio. (Weekly Ma il 27/09/ 1991). Ma nyakalla's pa r e nts claim that on September 19 they spotted two vehicles parked outside their house and that when they went to bed the vehicles were still there. When the police were summoned following the discovery of the body, they' claimed it was suicide. However, Manyakalla's father Isaac, said that his son was right handed and the bullet wound was in the left ear . He also said if his son had shot himself with his left hand, he would have been unable t o replace the gun on his - 16- right side . Apparently there was very little b lood in the toilet, suggesting t hat he was killed somewhere else and dumped i n the toilet. ~ V. REEF VIOLENCE: 1. EAST RAND: Thokoza: Confusion still surrounds the massacre of 23 Inkatha members in Thokoza on the East Rand o n Sunday September 8 , 1991. IFP youth leader Themba Khoza has claimed that a man claiming to be a member of the ANC was arrested shortly after the attack . • Khoza says that the man was arrested with an AK47 which was still li very hot" from use. He alleges that the man was placed in a policevan and that several Inkatha members then questioned the man who claimed that he was a member of Umkhonto we Sizwe the armed wing of the ANC and that he had trained in Maputo, Mozambique and that he had recently returned to the country . Khoza also claimed that the man said he was from Soweto and that he had received orders from the -17- ANC NEe to attack Inkatha in Thokoza. It is worth noting that members of the SAP have flatly denied that they arrested anyone on t he day and said t hat Khoza's allegations were "blatant lies" . Police have s ubsequently released an identikit of a man wanted for questioning in connection with • the attack. The latest information is that a man fitting the description of the identikit was arrested in Alberton on Saturday September 28, following an attempted bank robbery . The police have not as yet positively linked the man arrested in Alberton to the Thokoza attack. Inkatha ' s Thokoza secr etary , Abraham Mzizi alleged that two ~ men opened fire on members of the Hoste l Dwe lle r s ' Association which has close ties with the IFP, a s they were marching to the local stadium to hold a peace meeting. The police however claim that three men were involved in the attack and that they opened fire from a house as the marchers passed by. A week before the attack the IFP had distributed a pamphlet in the area, announcing the peace meeting at the local -18- Thokoza stadium. On the day of the attack several buses, taxis and trucks entered the township carrying IFP suppor ters . other IFP members marched to the township from hostels in Katlehong . The atmosphere in the township prior to the attack was tense as local residents feared there would be • a break out of violence following the rally. From all accounts it would seem that the first group of hostel dwellers made it safely to the stadium. At about lOhOC, 300 IFP members from the local hostel were marching towards the stadium which is situated about 2km from the hostel. Residents claim that the men were heavily armed and that they were allegedly intimidating people as they passed. The group were about SOOm from the stadium when they were fired on by people wielding AK 47's . After the incident the scheduled rally was cancelled and members of the SAP escorted the IFP • members back to the hostel . The allegations made by Khoza that the attack was planned by the ANC have been denied. Following the incident both the ANC and Inkatha blamed agents provocateur for the carnage. Both organisations claimed that the attack was provoked with the aim of derailing the peace process. The Board is continuing its investigation into the attack. -19 - Vosloorus: Three days after the a ttack on IFP members in Thokoza, four bus passengers were killed in Vosloorus when a man without ~ any reason opened fire with an AK 47 rifle. The bus driver allegedly tried to turn the man away because the bus was full , he then apparently opened fire. An eyewitness claimed the man did not ask any questions as he cold- bloodedly shot the driver and then turned his attention to the passengers. There were also unconfirmed reports that the attacker left the scene in a mini-bus from which more shots were fired at the bus. • 2. SOWETO: Motolo South: Simmering tensions in Mofolo reached fever pitch early this month when members of the IFP went on the rampage killing local residents. Themba Khoza of the IFP Youth Brigade claimed that the IFP had attacked the residents after hearing of the attack on their members in Thokoza. On Sunday -20- September 8, the day of the attack the IFP had gathered to launch a branch in Motolo Central. Residents in the area refused to allow the IF? members to gather and thus the IFP decided to proceed to the Dobsonville Stadium. According to residents as the IFP members passed their homes they threw 4t stones and damaged several house along the route. The crowd of IFF supporters remained at the Dobsonville Stadium for at least three hours . Trouble started when the IFP members left the stadium at about 16hOO, eyewitnesses claim that members of the crowd started breaking windows and looting homes in White city and Mofolo Central. Residents also claim that members of the SAP arrived but failed to intervene, instead they provided the men with an escort and according to some residents the looted • goods were placed in police casspirs. Fourteen people were confirmed dead in the area. Most of the victims were old-age pensioners who were unable to move when their homes were attacked. In one instance they attacked and killed Mr Simelane, a blind man . Simelane apparently owned two shops and members of the IFP removed the day's takings. Perhaps the most brutal attack was the massacre of the Motsoeneng family. Elliot Motsoeneng returned to his Mofolo Central home from a -21- stokvel only to find that his wife, young daughter, elderly mother and sister had been brutally murdered. Mr Motsoeneng said he returned home at about 15h30 and that from a distance he could see Inkatha members in the streets. nSome were in my yard and the police were outside. I was to scared to go in . • People were running away_ When the Inkatha people moved off I asked the police if I could go inside and see what was going on. I saw my dog lying in the yard, still chained. They had shot it and stabbed it". When Mr Motsoeneng first entered the house he found the body of his elderly mother, she was covered in blood. He then entered her bedroom where he found his sister lying next to the bed, she had been stabbed and shot. Inside the cupboard he saw his daughter Jenett (16) she had been stabbed and her • jeans were partly pulled down. Mr Motsoeneng said that he believed that his daughter and sister had been raped. He then started looking for his wife, he found her behind a pile of blankets, she too had been stabbed and shot. The attackers also stole the family television set, radio, wall clock and some money_ They also broke the wardrobes and the dinning room suite. - 22 - • At a house in White City, Jabavu a pregnant woman, Rebecca Mothapo was stabbed and shot . She is presently in a critical condition in Baragwanath. Her brother who was allegedly sleeping at the time of the attack was stabbed to death . At another house in White city, Jabavu a pensioner was stabbed ~ to death while she lay hidden under her bed . Later in the evening the crowd of IFP members ran into an ANC aligned group of youths at the Crossroads intersection in Soweto . A confrontation ensued between the two groups. Several hand grenades were thrown and several IFP members were killed in the clash. Members of the SAP who were allegedly accompanying the IFP members at the time fled the scene. After the clash the remaining IFP members made their • way to the Nancefield Hostel allegedly continuing their attacks on local residents. In most of the statements taken shortly after the attack, residents claim that their homes were looted and when they asked the SADF or the SAP to intervene they refused. One woman alleges that when she asked the SADF to help her, she was told to run as another group of Inkatha people were -23- approaching . One victim claimed that Inkatha members hijacked a truck in full view of members of the SADF i n o r der to remove her bel ongings . • Mshenguville: Sporadic attacks in Mshenguville continue . Six people were killed and several others injured when renewed fighting broke out in the area at the beginning of the month. One of the latest victims was a five- year- old child who was shot twice in the stomach. At least 30 people have lost their lives in the squatter camp since the violence began in July. squatters attempting to flee the violence in the camp have become the latest victims . They are allegedly prevented from ~ leaving by members of Inkatha . Residents claim that they have had to pay up to R40 before being allowed to dismantle their shacks and leave the area. Sebokeng: Eight men awaiting trial on 38 charges of murder following the attack on the night vigil of Christoffel Nangalembe were granted bail of R3 000 each in the Vanderbijlpark -24- Magistrate ' s Court this month . However, one of the accused, David Mabothe failed to appear in court and a warrant for his arrest has been issued. A spokesperson for the police said that although seven of the men had been in prison until the • granting of bail, Mabothe had been released earlier to appear in another case in the Vereeniging Magistrate's Court . He paid bail in regard to the charge in Vereeniging and his current whereabouts are unknown. Khetisi Kheswa dubbed the "Vaal Monster" by residents in the area was sentenced along with his mother to six years imprisonment for illegal possession of arms. However, residents claim that despite Kheswa being sentenced they have ... seen him in the township. , A report in the City Press of September 29 claims that Kheswa is out on R3 000 bail pending his appeal against sentence. Swanieville: Five men joined Seven others who appeared in the Krugersdorp Magistrate ' s Court this week in connection with the Swanieville massacre which left 29 people dead and many -25- injured. The men were not asked to plead and the case was postponed. Koster: • On Saturday September 28 1991, one of the Board ' s researchers was passing through Koster. On the road travelling towards Koster, several buses carrying members of the IFP were passed . Approximately five kilometres from the town centre a road block manned by members of the SAP had been set up. The Board's researcher's car was stopped and thoroughly searched . There were some Board reports in the car as well as some ANC publications . Members of the SAP then radioed for a senior officer to come down to the road block to check the documents. While this was happening, two of the buses fille d • with IFP members arrived. They were clearly armed with pangas, knobkerries, and spears. The buses were not searched and allowed to continue through the roadblock. On the other hand all taxi's and cars who clearly had no IFP members inside were stopped and searched. Passengers were made to get out of the cars and taxis and all their belongings were searched. No such searches were carried out on IFP members in the buses. After about seven minutes, a captain arrived from - 26- Koster, the researcher ' s documents were returned and she was allowed to proceed . It was subsequently reported that there were sporadic clashes in Reagile township in Koster between members of the IFP and • ANC. The IFF had attended a funeral in the area and apparently started throwing stones at residents when leaving the funeral . Residents allegedly retaliated by firing on Inkatha members . VI. TRAIN ATTACKS: Train commuters have borne the brunt of terror attacks this 4t month. They have been targeted in only what can be described as a deliberate campaign of mass terror. However, it is not only train commuters who are being attacked, passengers in taxi's and buses have been targeted. Attacks which took part in the early part of the month were seen as deliberate attempts to derail the peace process. But subsequent attacks have taken place without regard for the identity of the victims . The first attack on commuters took place on September 2, when scores of taxi's and private vehicles were -27- stoned as they passed the Nancefield Hostel. Reports were also received that people alighting at Nancefield Station were being attacked by peopl e allegedly belonging to the IFP. A member of the IFP was shot on a Soweto bound train on • September 16, making him the tenth victim to die in political violence since the signing of the peace accord on September 14. The IFP said that two men boarded the train between Inhlazane and Merafe stations at about lShOO saying they were looking for Zulus . They apparently opened fire and killed an IFP supporter. On September 17 about 60 armed Selby Hostel dwellers harassed commuters at the westgate railway station and bus terminus. The men who were armed with shields, sticks, and spears and wearing white headbands, left the hostel at about 06h50 and began threatening and chasing • commuters . Nobody was injured and the group returned to the hostel after the police arrived. The hostel dwellers had allegedly gone to the station after they had heard rumours that a hostel dweller had been killed at a nearby cafe. There was apparently no substance to the rumour and once this was established the men returned to the hostel. - 28- On September 19 a man was killed and five policemen were injured in three incidents of violence on Soweto- bound trains during the peak period. The SAP claims that seven policemen were o n duty on a train to Naledi when they were approached by several passengers at Phomolong station. The commuters • told the police that they were being attacked in another coach . When the policemen went to investigate they were attacked with knobkerries and sticks. Three policemen drew their pistols and fired shots, however the men managed to escape. A police spokesperson said that leaders of the hostel dwellers at Duhe had complained that the police had fired unnecessarily in this incident. The SAP announced this month that the two alleged ringleaders of the Jeppe train massacre last year which claimed the lives • of 26 people were "without doubt" Inkatha members. Police released their names and said a top priority search was on. A third suspect has been arrested and is due to appear in court soon. - 29- VII. THE NATIONAL PEACE ACCORD: The National Peace Accord was signed in Johannesburg on September 14 1991, despite the presence of heavily armed Inkatha Freedom Party members outside the venue and the • upsurge of violence in the Reef townships. A last minute compromise between the Inkatha Freedom Party and the ANC on the key issues of traditional weapons and private armies saved the day. The mechanisms proposed by the accord are unique in terms of the powers they give to parties and individuals outside the Government to exercise control over violence. Chief among these will be a permanent paid! multiparty National Peace Committee - with subordinate regional and local committees - to enforce codes of conduct for the police and political parties to try to preve nt • political violence; and a police ombudsman - who need not be a member of the SAP - to investigate complaints against the police. other important elements of the peace accord include: * A code of conduct for the police which holds members accountable to society, not to the Government, and stresses -30- restraint on police handling of political unrest and violence . * A code of conduct for political parties which forbids them from making any statements inciting violence or conducting • any act which may cause violence. * The appointment of a police board , with equal representation for the force and members of the public, to advise on future policing policy. * The setting up of special police units, headed by a general, to investigate allegations of misconduct by members of the SAP . • * The creation of a special unit , also headed by a general, to investigate political violence . * The setting up of special criminal courts to deal solely with cases of political violence. * The requirement that political parties refrain from violence and actively discourage members and supporters from carrying weapons to political meetings. -31- * A commitment by the Government to devote funds for the reconstruction and resettlement of communities ravaged by political violence . The signing of the peace accord is indeed a step in the right • direction, however, the question still remains whether the supporters of the individual parties who signed the accord will honour the peace initiative as their own or merely pay lip- service to it. VIII. NATAL 1 . The MaphuIDulo Inquest. .. The inquest into the death of Chief Mhlabunzima Maphumulo i s continuing (for details on the murder see March report). Key witness, Sipho Madlala, who is under ANC protection, alleges that several killers were employed by a security policeman t o murder the Chief. He also claims that, whilst he was not directly involved in the Chief's assassination, he was involved in a number of other attacks against anti- apartheid activists, all on the orders of security policemen. These attacks dated back to 1986 (The Sunday Star 8/ 9/ 1991). -32- However, at an identification parade, Madlala was unable to pick out two of the policemen who he alleges gave him his orders (The star 18/9/1991). He further alleged that the police had drawn up a "hit list" of Natal activists which was topped by ANC Midlands leader and National Executive • committee member Harry Gwala ( Business Day 19/9/1991). Later in the month, at a second identification parade, Madlala was able to pick out two SADF members, whom he alleges were members of a hit squad (The Sowetan 26/ 9/1991). 2. The Trust Feed Massacre. (For details of the incident see August report) . Seven policemen, two captains, a sergeant and four special cons tables, have now been arrested in conne ction with this • incident. The state alleges that the massacre took place on the orders of the late Major Deon Terblanche. Terblanche was the head of the Pietermaritzburg riot unit at the time. Further allegations by the state are that the attack took place on the request of a local Inkatha leader, Jerome Gabela. Shortly after the massacre IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi said that Inkatha would sue if any newspaper or individual blamed Inkatha for the killing. Later he claimed -34- oupa Gqozo has also lost his covert military grouping, International Researchers/Ciskei Intelligence Services, which was reportedly closed down at the end of August. In an apparent attempt to secure more support, the Ciskei government has moved closer to the Inkatha Freedom Party . • Gqozo has revived a system of local government which may be used to give his supporters influential positions and is promoting his African Democratic Movement' (ADM). Gqozo also appears to be trying to get the support of former Lennox Sebe supporters: in an extraordinary move, he told a Johannesburg journalist that Sebe was welcome to return home. "We told him all is forgiven and he should return home peacefully," said Gqozo . • 1 . 1 International Researchers/Ciskei Inte lligence Se rvices. Last month, in response to continued pressure the South African authorities finally forced Ciskei to close down IR/CIS (see previous reports). On August 30, the military government announced that the unit had been closed and that its functions would be taken over by the Ciskei Defence Force (CDF). The night before, South -. - 35- African Director- General of Foreign Affairs, Neil van Heerden, admitted at a public meeting that the SADF chief, General Kat Liebenberg, would have told Gqozo to close down the unit at an earlier meeting as it was becoming an embarrassment, although Van Heerden went on to deny that • South Africa had any links with the unit. Although the unit has been officially closed down, there are fears that the former members will continue to operate as individuals or even that a similar group under a different name will be set up to continue the same work. Points of concern: * The Ciskei Intelligence Service Decree, issued on April 4 ~ this year, which allowed for the setting up of CIS (effectively allowing International Researchers to change its name to Ciskei Intelligence Services rather than a new unit being set up ) has not been withdrawn: * IR/ CIS chief Anton Nieuwoudt told a Bisho court on September 17 that the Ciskei government had offered him another contract identical to the one just terminated. Although Niewoudt told the court that he intended going - 36- farming in the Transvaal, he mentioned that when ANC officials from the region travel to the USA next year, "we" wil l be there to meet them. * IR/erS member Paul Oeschger appears to be working now as • Brigadier Gqozo ' s bodyguard. Two more men linked to the unit, Lieutenant- Colonel Chris Nel and Colonel Ockert Swanepoel,appeared to be retaining their positions in Military Intelligence. Other operatives used by IR/ers were not necessarily officially employed by the unit and will presumably remain in their jobs. * It is known that the unit had a collection of weapons which were initially stored in a house in the ministerial compound. ~ At the time the weapons arrived unit members were told that South African officials had no knowledge of the weapons being brought in. Ciskei has refused to disclose where the weapons are or what they are intended for. 1.2 The Sebe/Guzana inquest . The inquest into the deaths of Ciskei rebels Charles Sebe and Onward Guzana is continuing in the Bisho Supreme Court. The - 37- key part of the inquest revolves around, firstly, the question of whether Ciskei authorities initiated a " false coup" plot or merely played along once they heard of a genuine plot; and secondly, the position of the IR/CIS unit • in the operation which led to the deaths . Allegations have been made that IR/CIS pl~nned and controlled the operation. Unit chief NieuwQudt has denied this, instead stating that they provided the intelligence information which resulted in the CDF setting up roadblocks to stop Sebe and Guzana. There were also allegations that state President F W de Klerk and Foreign Affairs minister Pik Botha knew of and supported 4It the alleged coup attempt, which south Africa n officials have since publicly denied. 1 . 3 The African Democratic Movement (ADM) Gqozo's new grouping, the ADM, is being seen as an attempt to secure himself a position in negotiations and as the base for a future alliance with both the IFP and the South African government. The ADM has been closely linked to the change in -38- local government, with newly appointed chiefs and headmen seen as promoting the Movement. 1.4 The Inkatha connection • Last month Gqozo secretly met with Inkatha Youth Brigade leader Musa Myeni. Myeni's travel and accommodation costs for the meeting appear to have been paid by Unidata, a national information processing company which claimed that the Myeni trip was on their behalf to sell a new pensions programme to ciskei and there was no link to Inkatha. Myeni called it a "private, friendly visit" that was "non political!! (ECNA 10/9/1991). At the time Inkatha denied plans for the two groupings to get together and Ciskei refused to confirm the mee ting. Since then links with Inkatha have become more ope n. • On September 2 Gqozo was seen on SABe TV with IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi calling on all moderate leaders to join together. -39- x. CONCLUSION: It is unfortunate that whilst most political movements in the country appear to be genuinely committed to moving towards peace and finding solutions to the violence which has savaged large parts of South Africa, the CP should threaten violence if their political demands are not met . It is even more unfortunate that they refuse to come to the negotiation table in an attempt to settle those demands. When an extreme right wing group like the Drde Boer evolk recognises the need for discussion surely the CP should realise that a stand like theirs will in no way contribute to peace and stability in South Africa . The moves taken by the SAP to make themselves more accountable to the public at large, as set out in the • Pe ace Accord, are to be welcomed, as are the ongoing investigations into allegations of police misconduct around the country. However, if the SAP want to move to the position of having the image of being non partisan and apolitical, they will have to make dramatic moves to shed the political baggage of the past. Units like Koevoet and Vlakplaas were used for political policing and as such have a political image. There is no place for such units in the new police force. 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