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Name: Timothy Stals Mazibuko

20-01-1999: Day 3

Application No: Am6122/97

Matter: Boipatong Massacre

ON RESUMPTION:

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Strydom?

MR STRYDOM: Chairperson, the next applicant is Timothy Stals Mazibuko. He is the fifth name on the list.

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Mazibuko, what language are you going to speak?

TIMOTHY STALS MAZIBUKO: (sworn states)

CHAIRPERSON: Your full names are Timothy Stals Mazibuko?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is correct.

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Strydom, yes?

EXAMINATION BY MR STRYDOM: Thank you Chairperson. Mr Mazibuko, you have completed and signed a Form 1, which form appears on page 107 of the bundle? I want you to identify your signature on the last page of Form 1, on page 109? Is that your signature?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is correct.

MR STRYDOM: It is stated on this form that you were born in Sebokeng, is that correct?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is correct.

MR STRYDOM: You elected to speak Sotho, but are you a Zulu person or not?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is correct.

MR STRYDOM: Are you a member of the Inkatha Freedom Party?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is correct.

MR STRYDOM: You indicated to me that there is something not correct of this Form 1 and you indicated that at paragraph 11(b) this statement as contained there, is not entirely correct.

I am going to tell you what is written here, then you must just tell me what is incorrect. An order was given by the leaders of the IFP staying in the kwaMadala hostel, that Boipatong should be attacked. Orders were given on the 10th and 17th of June 1992, the leaders were Mkhize and Qunchu.

You are not entirely happy with what is stated there, can you just indicate what is your complaint?

MR MAZIBUKO: My problem is that there was a meeting on the 10th, the 10th of June.

MR STRYDOM: According to your recollection, did you go to a meeting on the 10th, where it was discussed that Boipatong should be attacked or not?

MR MAZIBUKO: When this thing was discussed on the 10th, I was not present.

MR STRYDOM: When was the first time for you personally to become aware that Boipatong was going to be attacked?

MR MAZIBUKO: I knew firstly on the 17th of June.

MR STRYDOM: I want to refer you to the Annexure to Form 1. Do you agree with the contents of this document as was discussed with you before you gave evidence?

Just to make it clear, this document contains some of the answers from Form 1 which there was not enough space actually, to give a full answer, and the answer is contained in this Annexure. Do you admit the contents of that answers?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I do.

MR STRYDOM: Then I want to refer you to a request for further particulars and your answers thereto, that is on page 112 and further. These answers was - you went through the answers again, do you stand by those answers that you gave?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes.

MR STRYDOM: And lastly, your affidavit on page 116 to 118, do you stand by the affidavit as contained in this document?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I do.

MR STRYDOM: Is that your signature on page 118?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is correct.

MR STRYDOM: Just a few other aspects, you indicated that you lived in Sebokeng.

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is correct.

MR STRYDOM: How come did you leave Sebokeng to go and stay in kwaMadala hostel?

MR MAZIBUKO: There was a fight between myself and fellow comrades.

MR STRYDOM: Why do you say fellow comrades?

MR MAZIBUKO: I used to visit a certain friend called Mtana in Sebokeng, he was a member of the IFP from the township.

MR STRYDOM: During the period that you stayed in Sebokeng, were you an IFP supporter or not?

MR MAZIBUKO: I was not a supporter of any political organisation at that time.

MR STRYDOM: Just tell the Committee more about the problems that you had to deal with in Sebokeng?

MR MAZIBUKO: In 1992 I was shot in Sebokeng, shot by comrades.

MR STRYDOM: Did you go to hospital?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I did.

MR STRYDOM: Could you stay in the hospital for the period to recover?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, I did not stay in the hospital.

MR STRYDOM: Where did you go to?

MR MAZIBUKO: I ran from the hospital.

MR STRYDOM: Why did you run from the hospital?

MR MAZIBUKO: My life was in danger in the hospital.

MR STRYDOM: After you left the hospital, where did you go to?

MR MAZIBUKO: I ran to Madala hostel.

MR STRYDOM: Approximately when did you arrive at kwaMadala hostel?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is 1992, I think it was between January and April. I don't remember the exact date.

MR STRYDOM: You indicated earlier that you are an IFP supporter, when did you become an IFP supporter?

MR MAZIBUKO: After I ran from the hospital, I went to Madala hostel and I joined the IFP.

MR STRYDOM: You also indicated that the first time you heard that there would be an attack on Boipatong, was on the 17th of June. How did it come that you became aware?

MR MAZIBUKO: I learnt from the stadium.

MR STRYDOM: Who told you at the stadium that Boipatong would be attacked?

MR MAZIBUKO: When I arrived at the stadium, Mkhize was giving a speech.

MR STRYDOM: Now were you prepared to go along to Boipatong, to attack the people there?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I was prepared.

MR STRYDOM: Why were you prepared to go to Boipatong to kill people?

MR MAZIBUKO: I wanted to pay a revenge for what they did to me.

MR STRYDOM: During that period, could you move freely out of the hostel, in the townships, or not?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, I could not move freely in the township.

MR STRYDOM: Why not?

MR MAZIBUKO: I was afraid that they would burn me.

MR STRYDOM: Did you take a weapon to Boipatong?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes.

MR STRYDOM: What kind of weapon did you take?

MR MAZIBUKO: I had an iron bar and a knopkierie.

MR STRYDOM: We have already heard that there was initially one group, but later on two groups, do you agree with that? That is two groups in Boipatong consisting out of attackers?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is correct.

MR STRYDOM: Whose group were you in?

MR MAZIBUKO: I was in Mkhize's group.

MR STRYDOM: When you went to Boipatong, what was your idea, what would happen in Boipatong?

MR MAZIBUKO: We were going to attack and kill members of the Self Defence Unit.

MR STRYDOM: Can you briefly describe what happened in Boipatong when you arrived there?

MR MAZIBUKO: Before we entered Boipatong, we sat under the tree, then we divided ourselves into two groups.

MR STRYDOM: Yes, and after that?

MR MAZIBUKO: We entered in the last street.

MR STRYDOM: Yes, I want you to continue with what happened in Boipatong.

MR MAZIBUKO: When we entered in that street, that is where we had a barricade next to a house, in front of that, on the other side of the tank, there were a group of people.

I thought those were members of the Self Defence Unit because they were of our age. After that, we directed fire to them.

MR STRYDOM: Could you see who was firing?

MR MAZIBUKO: The one who was next to me, shooting, was Doctor.

MR STRYDOM: What kind of firearm did he use?

MR MAZIBUKO: He had a pumpgun.

MR STRYDOM: Did you see anybody else firing shots?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes.

MR STRYDOM: Who did you see?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is Mkhize.

MR STRYDOM: What kind of firearm did he have with him?

MR MAZIBUKO: He had an AK47.

MR STRYDOM: What happened when those shots were fired in the direction of the Self Defence Unit?

MR MAZIBUKO: They ran away.

MR STRYDOM: What happened after that?

MR MAZIBUKO: Others entered the houses nearby, others ran on the street. Then we ran after them, those who were in the houses, and others followed those who ran through the street.

MR STRYDOM: Personally, what did you do whilst you were moving through the streets of Boipatong?

MR MAZIBUKO: I was not able to catch one of them, we entered in one yard and we broke the window panes.

MR STRYDOM: Apart from that one house, did you break windows at other houses?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, the others continued to break windows in other houses.

MR STRYDOM: Can you tell the Committee what else did you do?

MR MAZIBUKO: After I broke those windows, there was a house on the corner which I opened the door. After I had opened that door, a group of people entered that house.

Whilst they were inside the house and whilst I was continuing breaking the windows, one person burnt a blanket which was inside the house. I took that blanket and threw it inside the house. Whilst we were breaking the windows of that house, I jumped the (indistinct) and entered in another big house next door.

I broke the windows, the big window panes.

MR STRYDOM: Did you enter the house or did you enter the yard?

MR MAZIBUKO: I only broke the windows, I never entered that house.

MR STRYDOM: Yes, what happened then?

MR MAZIBUKO: When people entered that house, others took TV's, there was one who was scared to take the TV, the big TV. The person who picked up the big TV, was a little big scared and put it down, then I took it.

MR STRYDOM: Do you know the name of that person?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, I was not able to identify that person.

MR STRYDOM: At this point, you were at the hostel at that stage, since approximately January to April 1992, did you know many people in the hostel?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, there were people I knew, and many of them were those who came from the township.

MR STRYDOM: And do you know the names of all the people in the hostel or not?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, I don't know them all.

MR STRYDOM: In any event, you were telling that you then received a TV from this person. What did you do with the TV?

MR MAZIBUKO: When we left Boipatong, then we proceeded to Madala hostel, we saw police vans. Then I put it down, because I was scared that I would be arrested.

MR STRYDOM: Can you give an indication, where did you see the police vans that you say?

MR MAZIBUKO: Those cars we used to call them suitcases, and they belonged to the SADF.

MR STRYDOM: But where, where did you see that vehicle or vehicles?

MR MAZIBUKO: They came from the direction of between Tserela and as if they were going towards Vanderbijlpark, and they turned at the robot.

MR STRYDOM: The robot that you refer to, is that the robot at the intersection of Nobel Boulevard and Frikkie Meyer Boulevard?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is correct.

MR STRYDOM: Whilst you were in Boipatong itself, did you witness any killing of any person?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, I never saw any person being killed inside Boipatong.

MR STRYDOM: Did you take the same route back to the hostel which you took when you went there?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, we never used the same route when we returned.

MR STRYDOM: When you went to the hostel, did you still have that TV with you or not?

MR MAZIBUKO: I left it behind. I held that iron bar which I had when I went inside Boipatong.

MR STRYDOM: When you got to the hostel, what did you do?

MR MAZIBUKO: I went straight to my room.

MR STRYDOM: When did you hear for the first time that many people were killed and injured?

MR MAZIBUKO: I heard the following day, in the morning.

MR STRYDOM: Do you know anything of loot being burnt after the attack in the kwaMadala hostel?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I do.

MR STRYDOM: What do you know about that?

MR MAZIBUKO: It was Richard, that is Richard, Matanda and Mkhize, those who were going around the rooms.

MR STRYDOM: The Mkhize you refer to in your statement, is that Bhekinkosi Mkhize?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes.

MR STRYDOM: Do you know if he personally got something out of a room which he burnt, or not?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, he never burnt anything.

MR STRYDOM: Matanda and Richard, did you see them placing anything on a fire?

MR MAZIBUKO: No.

MR STRYDOM: Apart from the military vehicle that you referred to earlier on in your evidence, did you see any other military or police vehicles during the course of the attack?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, I did not see any cars.

MR STRYDOM: Do you know a person by the name of Andries Matanzima Nosenga?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I know him.

MR STRYDOM: Where do you know him from?

MR MAZIBUKO: I knew him from Madala hostel.

MR STRYDOM: Do you know in which room he stayed in the hostel?

MR MAZIBUKO: I don't know his room.

MR STRYDOM: When was the first time for you to see him in the hostel?

MR MAZIBUKO: It was after the attack of Boipatong, but I don't remember the month or the day or the date.

MR STRYDOM: Prior to the attack, did you know or did you meet Mr Matanzima in the township whilst you were still staying there?

MR MAZIBUKO: I started knowing him after the attack or the massacre, I think it was after a week.

MR STRYDOM: Do you know Victor Keswa?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I do.

MR STRYDOM: The allegation has been made that he was a sort of leader of a hitsquad. What is your comments on that?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, I know nothing about the hitsquad.

MR STRYDOM: Can I take from that that you were also never a member of any hitsquad?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes. I have never been a member of a hitsquad.

MR STRYDOM: Do you know Prince Vanana Zulu?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I know him.

MR STRYDOM: During the attack or just prior to the attack, did you see him at the hostel or not?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, I did not see him.

MR STRYDOM: Were you a member of the Youth Brigade?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is correct.

MR STRYDOM: If you can just bear with me. Do you know a structure which is called the AmaButho which operated in the hostel?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I do.

MR STRYDOM: Who was the leader of the AmaButho according to you?

MR MAZIBUKO: The leader I usually saw is Mr Mkhize.

MR STRYDOM: Just prior, just before the attack when you were still at the stadium, did you see Damara Qunchu?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I did.

MR STRYDOM: Do you know if he was a leader of any kind?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, I did not know.

MR STRYDOM: I've got no further questions.

NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BY MR STRYDOM

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you Mr Strydom. Adv Pretorius, do you have any questions?

MS PRETORIUS: Yes, thank you Mr Chairman.

CHAIRPERSON: Yes.

CROSS-EXAMINATION BY MS PRETORIUS: Victor Keswa, was he there on the 17th of June?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, he was not present.

MS PRETORIUS: How do you know that?

MR MAZIBUKO: I know because we used to go and visit him in Vanderbijl in the cells or in prison.

MS PRETORIUS: You say there were two groups of attackers in Boipatong. Can you tell us how big the group was more or less, how many people it consisted of, the big group?

INTERPRETER: Will you please repeat your question?

MS PRETORIUS: How big was the group of the AmaButho going to Boipatong, how many people did it consist of?

MR MAZIBUKO: Approximately we could have been 200 to 300.

MS PRETORIUS: The trouble you had in the township, you say where the SDU shot you.

MR LAX: Sorry, can you just repeat the figure, we just didn't catch it very clearly on the interpretation.

INTERPRETER: It is approximately between 200 to 300.

MR LAX: Thank you.

MS PRETORIUS: You say you left Sebokeng because you were shot by the comrades. Who were in charge of the comrades in Sebokeng, which organisation or didn't they belong to an organisation?

MR MAZIBUKO: They were ANC members.

MS PRETORIUS: Were the comrades and the SDU's the same people?

MR MAZIBUKO: To my understanding, I think it means the same people.

MS PRETORIUS: Did you ever attend a meeting during that week from the 10th until the 18th of June, where Themba Khoza addressed the residents of kwaMadala?

MR MAZIBUKO: No.

MS PRETORIUS: I have no further questions, thank you Chair.

NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BY MS PRETORIUS

CHAIRPERSON: You were asked whether, you talked about two groups that went into Boipatong?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is correct.

CHAIRPERSON: And then you gave the figure of approximately 200 to 300 persons.

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is correct.

CHAIRPERSON: Was that an estimate of persons in one group?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is correct.

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you. Mr Da Silva?

CROSS-EXAMINATION BY MR DA SILVA: May it please you Mr Chairman. Can you give an estimate of when the group entered Boipatong, what time was that more or less to start the attack?

MR MAZIBUKO: Well unfortunately I cannot estimate.

MR DA SILVA: Can't you estimate at all, do you know if it was late in the evening, near midnight, later?

MR MAZIBUKO: Well, it was not yet midnight.

MR DA SILVA: You say that you saw, your testimony was that you saw police vans, and because of this you put the TV down, because you were scared that you were going to be arrested? Do I make the correct deduction that when you saw this police van that you mentioned, that you were in the open veld between Boipatong and Frikkie Meyer Boulevard?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is correct.

MR DA SILVA: Can you estimate how far you were from this police van?

MR MAZIBUKO: It was quite a distance. Let me explain this, I said we saw military vans, not the police vans.

MR DA SILVA: It was translated as police vans, are you saying that it was interpreted incorrectly just now when you testified?

MR LAX: Sorry Mr Da Silva, he did correct it. He spoke about, he used some unusual term, suitcases. He said these vans were SADF vehicles, we used to call them suitcases, they were coming from Tserela towards Vanderbijl.

MR DA SILVA: I would like to clarify this aspect, because the actual evidence was we saw police vans, I put it down because I thought I was going to be arrested. They are suitcases of the SADF and I would like the witness to clarify that.

INTERPRETER: That was a mistake from the interpretation not the witness.

MR LAX: The Interpreter is saying that was his mistake.

MR DA SILVA: I understand sir, thank you. In regard to the distance, can you estimate how far you were when you saw this vehicle?

MR MAZIBUKO: I think it can be a distance from this wall to the back of the hall there.

MR DA SILVA: Mr Chairman, that is approximately 30 meters I would estimate, 30 meters. I can measure that tomorrow.

CHAIRPERSON: Unless something turns on the distance?

MR BERGER: We are happy with 30 meters.

CHAIRPERSON: To the extreme that it may be necessary, just pace the distance roughly and let us know for the record tomorrow.

MR DA SILVA: I will do so Mr Chairman.

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, thank you.

MR DA SILVA: You described this or let me clarify this aspect, your testimony was that you saw suitcases, your testimony interpreted incorrectly was police vans. Did you see one vehicle or more than one vehicle?

MR MAZIBUKO: I saw three vehicles.

MR LAX: I didn't hear the figure, please repeat it.

INTERPRETER: I saw three vehicles.

MR DA SILVA: Can you describe these vehicles?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I can describe them. They are brown vehicles. When it is facing you, you only see the driver, so the people who are sitting at the back, you only see their heads and their hats.

There is a big iron on top of it, that is why we refer to it as a suitcase.

MR DA SILVA: And you are quite sure you saw three vehicles?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I am sure.

MR DA SILVA: Were all three vehicles as you describe them, suitcases?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is correct.

CHAIRPERSON: Did you ask him whether all three vehicles were in suitcases?

MR DA SILVA: I will follow that up Mr Chairman. The vehicles that you saw, were all three vehicles as you describe them, suitcases?

MR MAZIBUKO: All of them were suitcases. We used to call them suitcases.

MR DA SILVA: And you mention suitcases because of this iron bar on top, is that right?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is correct.

MR DA SILVA: Now you know the difference between a military vehicle and a police vehicle? At that stage my information was that police vehicles were painted yellow or green or camouflage, were you aware of that?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I am aware of that.

MR DA SILVA: So after you saw these vehicles, you put down the TV and then what did you do?

MR MAZIBUKO: Then I joined the group and then we crossed over the road. We were all rushing, we only wanted to cross over the road, so that we can be near our place.

MR DA SILVA: To join the group, did you move away from these vehicles, towards the group, is that what you are saying?

MR MAZIBUKO: They were facing the road that is moving towards Vanderbiljpark, so we were just passing in front of those vehicles.

After they had turned at the robot, they were moving with a slow pace, so we managed to cross over the road in front of them.

MR DA SILVA: So, the road that you crossed was Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, is that correct?

MR MAZIBUKO: Well, I don't know the name of that road, but it is the road that moves from the garage towards Vanderbijlpark.

MR DA SILVA: Do I understand your evidence to be that when you saw these vehicles on your version, that they were on the same road as you crossed, the group crossed?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is correct.

MR DA SILVA: So the first time you saw these vehicles, on your version, these vehicles were on this road, and then you crossed in front of them, crossing Frikkie Meyer Boulevard?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is correct.

MR DA SILVA: So where did you leave the TV?

MR MAZIBUKO: I left the TV at the open veld before the crossed the road.

MR DA SILVA: Do you know a gentleman by the name of Daniel Mabote or Themba Mabote?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I do.

MR DA SILVA: Was he part of the group that perpetrated the attack on Boipatong?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is correct.

MR DA SILVA: Do you remember him being in the group when you gathered in the veld?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, he was present.

MR DA SILVA: Do you remember if he was armed?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I remember.

MR DA SILVA: What was he armed with?

MR MAZIBUKO: He was armed with a small gun.

MR DA SILVA: Were you quite close to him when you were in the group in the veld, when you were gathering in the veld?

MR MAZIBUKO: From when we entered Boipatong, I was always next to a person armed with a gun. Even when we returned, I was always next to Themba Mabote because he had a gun.

MR DA SILVA: At the criminal trial you heard the evidence of a Mr Holi Bajozi, do you recall that?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I heard his evidence but I don't remember what he said.

MR DA SILVA: With reference to Mr Themba Mabote, he testified that Mr Themba Mabote fired a gun in the direction of a Defence Force vehicle, do you recall that?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I do.

MR DA SILVA: So you recall that when Mr Mabote saw the Defence Force vehicle, that he actually fired in the direction of the Defence Force vehicle?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, it is true.

MR DA SILVA: And he was pointing his firearm at the Defence Force vehicle?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is true.

MR DA SILVA: And how many times did he fire his firearm?

MR MAZIBUKO: Even though I do not remember, but he ... (tape ends) ... that is correct.

MR DA SILVA: It stands to reason, he also thought he was going to be arrested, and that is why he started firing at the Defence Force vehicle, is that not so?

MR MAZIBUKO: Well, I don't know why he fired at the military vehicles.

MR DA SILVA: But he must have had a similar fear that you had, he thought he was going to be arrested, that is why he fired? Do you agree with that?

MR MAZIBUKO: Well, I don't want to agree, what I can say is that I don't know.

MR DA SILVA: Yes, but you say he fired more than once, you were standing next to him? Is that correct?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is true.

MR DA SILVA: After you crossed Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, is it correct that between kwaMadala hostel and Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, on the eastern side of Frikkie Meyer Boulevard there is a marsh, do you know that?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I know that.

MR DA SILVA: There was an affidavit handed in, it is Exhibit L earlier in this enquiry, and it is in fact two affidavits by Security personnel of ISCOR, if I remember correctly their affidavit is that they arrested a person whose legs were wet up until the knees. Is that possible because you crossed this marsh that you would have got wet in crossing the marsh?

MR MAZIBUKO: Well, where we crossed on our way from Boipatong, there is a footpath, there were no water.

MR DA SILVA: How did you enter kwaMadala hostel?

MR MAZIBUKO: On our return from Boipatong, we passed the ISCOR place surrounded by the trees, and then we moved on the other side of the bridge towards kwaMadala hostel.

MR DA SILVA: Weren't there people hiding in the marsh from the Defence Force vehicles? Are you aware of that, was there any person which formed part of your group, that were hiding in the marsh?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, I heard about that in court, I don't know.

MR DA SILVA: Is it not correct that part of the group entered kwaMadala through a hole in the fence in kwaMadala, do you know about that?

MR MAZIBUKO: The first time I heard about that, was in court. What I remember is that we returned, using the same way that we used when we went to Boipatong.

The first time I heard about people who damaged the fence, I heard about it in court for the first time. I don't know.

MR DA SILVA: So did you not use this hole in the fence to enter kwaMadala?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, we did not use the fence.

MR DA SILVA: You say you put the TV down because you were scared of being arrested by the Defence Force vehicles. Did they normally arrest people, what was your experience?

MR MAZIBUKO: Since during the times of the riots in the township, they used to arrest people.

MR DA SILVA: So you were expecting them to arrest you, you weren't expecting them to cooperate with you, is that correct?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is correct.

MR DA SILVA: If they had been cooperating with you, you would have carried the TV over the street and you wouldn't have been scared of them, do you agree with that?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is correct.

MR DA SILVA: I want you to think carefully back, my information is that there was one Defence Force vehicle on Frikkie Meyer Boulevard. Is it possible that you are making a mistake, that you only saw one vehicle?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, it is not a mistake, I saw three vehicles.

MR DA SILVA: Why don't you make mention of the vehicles in your affidavit? You made an affidavit describing the attack and you don't mention them in your affidavit?

MR MAZIBUKO: Well, I don't know why it doesn't appear there, but I told my lawyer that I took a TV and I left it on the open veld and the reason why I left it there.

MR DA SILVA: So you are saying, you consulted with your lawyer and your lawyer made a mistake? Is that what you are saying?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is correct.

MR DA SILVA: And you also told him you saw three vehicles?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is correct.

MR DA SILVA: That is an important aspect that is not in your affidavit? Can you give an explanation why that is left out?

MR MAZIBUKO: Well, I cannot explain why it does not appear on my affidavit.

MR DA SILVA: I put it to you that you are mistaken, and that all you saw was a single solitary buffel on Frikkie Meyer Boulevard?

MR MAZIBUKO: I disagree with you.

MR DA SILVA: And did you see this buffel, what it was doing before you crossed Frikkie Meyer Boulevard?

MR MAZIBUKO: Well, I don't know what is a buffalo.

MR DA SILVA: Okay, let's call it a suitcase. Did you see what the suitcase was doing, before it crossed Frikkie Meyer Boulevard?

MR MAZIBUKO: The first time that I saw this suitcase, it was moving from Cape Gate along the road, towards Vanderbijlpark. It was moving.

MR DA SILVA: And then it must have turned left in Frikkie Meyer Boulevard because you explained that you saw it in Frikkie Meyer Boulevard. Do I understand your evidence to be that?

MR MAZIBUKO: The first time that I saw this vehicle, it was next to the firm and the garage and then it turned left towards Vanderbijlpark.

They reduced their speed and then they ended up stopping and that is when we crossed the road.

MR DA SILVA: In what direction was the headlights of this vehicle looking, was it in the direction of the group or was it away from the group?

MR MAZIBUKO: They were facing towards Vanderbijlpark. They were not facing at us.

MR DA SILVA: So they turned around? Is that what you are saying, they were looking away from the group, at Vanderbijlpark, towards Vanderbijlpark?

MR MAZIBUKO: They were not going to Vanderbijlpark, they were just facing towards Vanderbijlpark.

MR DA SILVA: Were they ever facing in your direction, in the direction of the group?

MR MAZIBUKO: Let me put it this way, only one of them faced in our direction because it was turning around, so the others just reversed.

MR DA SILVA: At what stage was this one, that was facing in your direction, was this while you were crossing Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, is that what you are saying?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is correct.

MR DA SILVA: And where were the other two that were reversing? The answer hasn't been interpreted to me Mr Chairman.

INTERPRETER: He wants to know whether you mean when they were crossing the road?

CHAIRPERSON: Would you repeat the answer? Mr Interpreter, is there a problem there?

INTERPRETER: The applicant was asking a question whether does he want to know when we were crossing the road, when these two cars were reversing or not? He is asking the legal representative.

MR LAX: The question is, what were the other two vehicles doing while you were crossing the road?

CHAIRPERSON: You referred to the two that were reversing?

MR DA SILVA: That is correct Mr Chairman, I want to know where were these two vehicles that were reversing, while the applicant was crossing the road?

MR MAZIBUKO: They were at the back, because they were reversing while we were crossing the road, they were next to the robots.

MR DA SILVA: Will you please look at a photograph of the scene, it has been handed in as Exhibit M1. Do you have the phonograph in front of you?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I do.

MR DA SILVA: Do you see there is a road that runs across the photograph, approximately just above point (d) on the left hand side, to point (m) on the right hand side, do you see that?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I do.

MR DA SILVA: If you look along that road, you will see at the top of the page, there is a point marked (h), that indicates a foot bridge on Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, do you see that?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, I do.

MR DA SILVA: Right, is that where the group crossed from Boipatong into kwaMadala?

MR MAZIBUKO: Yes, that is correct.

MR DA SILVA: And I understand your testimony to be that the first time you saw these vehicles, was after the attack, while you were gathering on the eastern side of Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, in that veld between Frikkie Meyer Boulevard and Boipatong, is that correct?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is correct.

MR DA SILVA: Only after the attack was completed, did you see these vehicles, is that correct?

MR MAZIBUKO: The first time I saw them, they were there at point (c).

MR DA SILVA: Point (c) is where Unipark Motors is, that is where the Trek garage is? Is that right?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is correct. Point (c) is where the garage is, at the back there, there is a firm. So the first time I saw them, they were there and then they turned left at the garage.

MR DA SILVA: If you are saying they turned left, does that mean, did they move in that direction along Frikkie Meyer Boulevard in the direction of the foot bridge, is that what you are saying?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is correct.

MR DA SILVA: So the first time you saw this vehicle, the attack had already been completed. You were gathering to go to kwaMadala?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is correct.

MR DA SILVA: Right. Now, the two vehicles that were reversing, were they reversing in this Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, is that what you are saying?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is correct.

MR DA SILVA: So were they reversing towards the group, you are saying that the headlights were not facing you, that they were reversing. Do I make the correct assumption, were they reversing towards the group?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, they were reversing towards the robot next to the garage.

MR DA SILVA: So were they reversing from the garage towards the robot, is that what you are saying?

MR MAZIBUKO: They were not reversing from the robot, they were reversing, I don't know how can I explain this. Let me explain it this way, there at point (e), when you go down with that road, they started reversing from that point towards the robot, until they reached the robot.

MR DA SILVA: So you are saying that they were at point (e) at this stage?

MR MAZIBUKO: They were not exactly at point (e), but when you move down that road, they reversed from there towards the garage.

MR DA SILVA: Why do you refer to point (e)?

MR STRYDOM: Just to save time, I have been looking at the indication here, what the witness is doing, is extending that line of point (e) right to Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, that is not on Noble Boulevard, but he just uses that as a marker, but he points to Frikkie Meyer, lower down, so you must actually extend that line to Frikkie Meyer.

CHAIRPERSON: Do you have a pen, could you ask the witness to please indicate the - on the map, on that Exhibit, the point at which he saw those vehicles? Show it to Counsel. Can you have a look at that? Is that the mark that is almost below (e)?

MR DA SILVA: I understand so Mr Chairman. Mr Chairman, I understand it to be at the end of the nursery. You will note that there is a ...

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Mazibuka, will you please put a circle on the mark that you have made so that we can see which one it is, there are two x's there.

Show it to Mr Da Silva first.

MR DA SILVA: Mr Mazibuko, the point that you have marked is on the road, on Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, at the end of the nursery, is that correct?

MR MAZIBUKO: That is correct.

MR DA SILVA: You testified earlier and I understood your evidence to be that the other two vehicles, the vehicles that were reversing, were reversing from the garage to the robot, is that correct?

MR MAZIBUKO: They were not reversing from the garage to the robot. They were reversing from that point, that is where they stopped and one of them, turned around and the two of them reversed from that point that I have already indicated, and they reversed from that point to the garage.

MR DA SILVA: Mr Mazibuko, my information is that immediately after the attack, there were only to use your words, two suitcases available and if necessary I will lead evidence to that effect.

Aren't you mistaken when you say you saw three vehicles?

MR MAZIBUKO: No, I did not make a mistake, I saw three.

MR DA SILVA: Yes, there were only two vehicles available from Vaal Commando and only one vehicle was in this vicinity.

MR MAZIBUKO: Well, I did not see one vehicle.

MR DA SILVA: I don't have any further questions Mr Chairman.

NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BY MR DA SILVA

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, thank you. The time now is approximately half past five. Ms Tanzer, we intend rising at this stage. Do you have any objections to commencing your cross-examination tomorrow morning?

MS TANZER: None whatsoever, I can prepare Mr Chairman.

CHAIRPERSON: Yes. Yes, thank you. Just before I forget this point, Mr Da Silva, the witness has been referring to a suitcase and you have been referring to what?

MR DA SILVA: A buffel vehicle.

CHAIRPERSON: Okay. Does your, is what you understand to be a buffel, the same thing as what he refers to?

MR DA SILVA: Yes Mr Chairman, my information and my instructions are that a buffel is (indistinct) known in the area, in Boipatong, as a suitcase. It is one and the same vehicle.

CHAIRPERSON: I think you put it to this witness that according to your information, there was one Defence vehicle, buffel, in and around that vicinity?

MR DA SILVA: That is correct, yes Mr Chairman.

CHAIRPERSON: Right. Is there, on your information, is there any indication at what time that was?

MR DA SILVA: I can revert to you tomorrow morning and I will be able to give you an approximation of the time.

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, because it may well be that he did see these two motor vehicles, but at some other stage.

MR DA SILVA: Yes, I will do that Mr Chairman.

CHAIRPERSON: So will you please be - okay, very well.

Mr Strydom, after this witness, after this applicant, who do you intend calling?

MR STRYDOM: Tebogo Magubane. I have been given the assurance that he has arrived in Vereeniging, he is in Vereeniging prison and he will be here tomorrow morning.

CHAIRPERSON: Okay. Mr Da Silva, the Committee has decided to accede to your request that we start tomorrow morning at nine o'clock and finish at five o'clock.

MR DA SILVA: I am indebted to you Mr Chairman.

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, very well. Tomorrow we will commence at nine o'clock, thank you.

COMMITTEE ADJOURNS

22-01-1999: Day 5

ON RESUMPTION

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Magubane, may I remind you that you are still under oath.

RUBEN MAGANGA TEBOGO MAGUBANE: (s.u.o.)

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Berger, you may proceed.

CROSS-EXAMINATION BY MR BERGER: (Continued) Thank you, Chairperson.

Mr Magubane, please have a look at the document at page 90 of the bundle. It goes from page 90 to page 92. Now you remember yesterday your counsel read through this document and you confirmed that that was the truth?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is correct.

MR BERGER: You made this statement in June of 1998.

MR MAGUBANE: That is correct.

MR BERGER: Six years after the massacre.

MR MAGUBANE: That is correct.

MR BERGER: And you could still remember details of things you had done on the night of the massacre, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: That is correct.

MR BERGER: Were you assisted by anyone in making this statement?

MR MAGUBANE: Nobody helped me, I did it on my own.

MR BERGER: Who interpreted for you?

MR MAGUBANE: I don't the name of the person, but I had a translator.

MR BERGER: According to the bottom of page 92, the interpreter was M S Tshabangu.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is correct.

MR BERGER: Is that Nana Tshabangu?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is correct.

MR BERGER: And the attorney who took the oath is Mr Fredericks, who is sitting next to your counsel today.

MR MAGUBANE: That is correct.

MR BERGER: Where was this statement taken?

MR MAGUBANE: In prison.

MR BERGER: Was Mr Nana Tshabangu also in prison with you at the time?

MR MAGUBANE: No, he was not in prison.

MR BERGER: So he was brought to the prison to act as an interpreter for the taking of this statement?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, he came with the lawyer.

MR BERGER: Were there any other of your co-applicants present when you made this statement?

MR MAGUBANE: No, in the prison which I am, I am the only one among the applicants.

MR BERGER: At the time when Mr Nana Tshabangu acted as an interpreter, he was no longer a policemen, is that correct?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is correct.

MR BERGER: Mr Magubane, I want you to try and recall the date on which you were arrested.

MR MAGUBANE: Do you mean this case or another case?

MR BERGER: I mean in relation to this case. I'll put it in context, the massacre you know happened on the 17th of June 1992.

MR MAGUBANE: That is correct.

MR BERGER: Now how long after the massacre were you arrested?

MR MAGUBANE: It was on the same month but I think it was somewhere at the end of the month. If it is not at the end of the month, it was at the beginning of July the same year.

MR BERGER: So end June, beginning July 1992?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I think so.

MR BERGER: So would it be correct then to say that you remained in the hostel for about two or three weeks after the massacre before you were arrested?

MR MAGUBANE: No.

MR BERGER: Well you see, from the 17th of June until the end of June, beginning of July is about two or three weeks. So would that be the period during which you remained at kwaMadala before you were arrested?

MR MAGUBANE: I stayed in KwaMadala for a long time. After Boipatong massacre I stayed at KwaMadala hostel for a long time. I don't think it will be two weeks or three weeks.

CHAIRPERSON: No, Mr Magubane, you have estimated that you think you were arrested either towards the end of June or the beginning of July. Now what counsel is putting to you is that it means you probably remained at the hostel from the day after the incident until the day when you were arrested, and that period is approximately three weeks.

MR MAGUBANE: That is not so.

CHAIRPERSON: Did you go back to the hostel, did you remain at the hostel after the massacre?

MR MAGUBANE: I stayed in the hostel before the massacre.

CHAIRPERSON: We all know, you've told us that you've always remained at the hostel before the massacre.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes.

CHAIRPERSON: We're talking about the period after the massacre, do you understand that?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes. I was always in the hostel after the massacre, after the massacre on the 17th of June. The 18th and 19th I was in KwaMadala hostel until I was arrested.

CHAIRPERSON: What counsel is putting to you is; if you estimate that you were arrested towards the end of June and the beginning of July, that period is approximately three weeks. In other words, you remained in the hostel after the massacre for about three weeks before you were arrested.

MR MAGUBANE: If you would say I stayed weeks, it is a short period or weeks are a short period to estimate. It might be a month. ...(no English translation)

CHAIRPERSON: We didn't get the interpretation.

INTERPRETER: I think the applicant's struggling to understand what the question is, he's going back to months and years, not weeks.

CHAIRPERSON: We know that before the attack on Boipatong you were staying at the hostel.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes.

CHAIRPERSON: After the attack you returned to the hostel.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I did these things whilst I was still in the hostel.

CHAIRPERSON: You went, you attacked, you returned to the hostel.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes.

CHAIRPERSON: Right. You remained at the hostel until you were arrested.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is correct.

CHAIRPERSON: And you say you were arrested probably towards the end of June or the beginning of July.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is correct.

CHAIRPERSON: All that counsel is saying to you, he's simply saying the period from the day of the massacre to the day when you were arrested is approximately three weeks.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I know understand.

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, Mr Berger?

MR BERGER: Thank you, Chairperson. I'll ask my learned friend during the adjournment, perhaps he can give me certain dates for the applicants and it might make things a bit shorter.

But I'll just ask you this question, Mr Magubane. Were you arrested on your own or were you arrested with all the applicants? This is now end of June/beginning July 1992.

MR MAGUBANE: I was arrested with others. We were many when we were arrested.

MR BERGER: Would that include all your co-applicants, as well as many of the others who were accused?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, some of the applicants I was arrested with them. We were arrested in groups, not at the same time.

MR BERGER: Were there people who were arrested before you were arrested, were there groups who were arrested before your group was arrested?

MR MAGUBANE: I'm the first one to be arrested.

MR BERGER: Now during that three week period, I want to ask you some questions about that, would I be correct to say that during that period there was a very strong police presence at the hostel?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes.

MR BERGER: And it was very difficult to leave the hostel, in fact you couldn't leave the hostel without permission, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is correct.

MR BERGER: And you couldn't enter the hostel without permission either, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: You would enter but you would not leave. They would give permission to a person who enters, not the one who leaves.

MR BERGER: Yes, in order for someone to enter the hostel during that three week period, they had to get permission from the police to enter, would that be correct?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is correct.

MR BERGER: And am I correct also that Iscor set up strict controls around the hostel during that three week period?

MR MAGUBANE: I would agree with you that Iscor - you would not do whatever you wanted to do because the police were there and Iscor again contributed to that strict control.

MR BERGER: And so both the police and Iscor, during that period, had strict controls in place and monitored who was entering and who was leaving the hostel, would I be right?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes.

MR BERGER: Now after you were arrested, where were you taken to?

MR MAGUBANE: I was taken to Vereeniging Police Station.

MR BERGER: And from there, were you taken to a prison?

MR MAGUBANE: They said they were taking us to Sasol(?) Prison, then they didn't get access, then they took me to Sun City Prison. That is Soweto Prison which is usually called Sun City.

MR BERGER: And how long were you at Sun City?

MR MAGUBANE: I did not finish a month there. I would estimate that period to be plus-minus two weeks.

MR BERGER: And were you then released?

MR MAGUBANE: I was transferred to John Vorster Square.

MR BERGER: From John Vorster Square, where did you go?

MR MAGUBANE: I was taken to Germiston or another police station where I was tortured. I don't remember as to whether it is Germiston or what police station it was.

MR BERGER: How long were you kept in custody for? Were you kept in custody right until your trial?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I was in John Vorster Square. They would pick me up early in the morning and then they would return me after until we were taken to Pretoria.

MR BERGER: So do I understand you correctly, that after your arrest in 1992, you were never released on bail pending your trial?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I was released on bail. I don't remember which year but I was given bail when I was in Pretoria.

MR BERGER: Was this before the trial, that you got bail?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes. ...(no English translation)

CHAIRPERSON: We didn't get that interpretation.

MR MAGUBANE: I attended the case whilst on bail.

MR BERGER: You can't remember the date when you got bail, or even the month?

MR MAGUBANE: No, I don't remember, I've forgotten.

MR BERGER: Was it in 1992 or 1993 or 1994?

MR MAGUBANE: I think it is in 1992.

MR BERGER: And then where did you go once you got bail?

MR MAGUBANE: I returned to KwaMadala hostel.

MR BERGER: And did you stay at KwaMadala hostel throughout the trial?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes.

MR BERGER: I have a note here, Mr Magubane, which says that you met Sergeant Peens after Getisi was killed, you met Peens for the first time after Getisi was killed. Is my note right?

MR MAGUBANE: I said I met Peens. On the day when Getisi was killed I was arrested with him and on that night he was killed. Getisi found me found me at the investigative unit offices. I was not able to discuss anything with him. That is the first time I knew Peens.

MR BERGER: What were you arrested for?

MR MAGUBANE: We were arrested under Article 50. We were taken to the cells not knowing what we were arrested for. We stayed there for days.

MR BERGER: Were you arrested together with Getisi or did you just meet him at the police station?

MR MAGUBANE: I was arrested with his mother and a certain boy called Taki. We were arrested in KwaMadala hostel.

MR BERGER: That's Darkie Chonco?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes.

MR BERGER: You were taken to the police station, would that be Vanderbijl Park?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, we were taken to Vanderbijl Park Police Station.

MR BERGER: And you say Getisi was brought into the police station as well that day?

MR MAGUBANE: He was brought to the police station after we were arrested for two days. He arrived at the investigative unit offices.

MR BERGER: And it was on that day that Getisi died?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, he died on that night. The day when he arrived, he died the very same night.

MR BERGER: Were you present when he died?

MR MAGUBANE: I was not present. He died at night but I don't know where he was killed.

MR BERGER: And did you meet Peens for the first time - did you see Peens for the first time at the Vanderbijl Park Police Station?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I saw him for the first time in that office.

MR BERGER: I have a note which reads, from your earlier evidence yesterday, that Peens took you from your room in the hostel.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes.

MR BERGER: So then you couldn't have met him for the first time in the office at the Vanderbijl Park Police Station, could you?

MR MAGUBANE: You must understand me for I did not know the time when he took me from KwaMadala hostel in my room. I knew that it was Peens when we were at Vanderbijl Park Police Station. That is the person who took me from my room in KwaMadala hostel, then when we arrived at Vanderbijl Park, that is when I knew that is Peens because other policemen were calling his name.

MR BERGER: I asked you when was the first time that you saw Peens.

CHAIRPERSON: No, but Mr Berger, is this going to take us anywhere? The witness says when Peens came to arrest him he didn't know that this was Peens, it was only at the police station that he came to know that this is Peens. I think the record speaks for itself in that regard. We know what question you've put and we know his answer. We know the explanation.

MR BERGER: Chairperson, with respect, this witness' relationship with Peens is important to the issues in this case.

CHAIRPERSON: We understand that, but I think the point has been made.

MR BERGER: Chairperson, through you, could I ask for another one of these boxes?

MR LAX: Yes, and we need another transmitter.

MR BERGER: And a new headphone, this has been put together with sticky tape.

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Magubane, when you speak would you please give the interpreter time to interpret because what you are saying is being interpreted to at least two other languages. So just give him time so that he can interpret everything that you say. Do you understand that?

Yes, Mr Berger?

MR BERGER: Thank you, Chairperson.

How many times have you been arrested? I know that you were arrested in June/July 1992 after the massacre, you say you were arrested a day or two before Victor Keswa was killed, and kept at the Vanderbijl Park Police Station. Were you arrested at any other times?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I was arrested about other things, for other things.

MR BERGER: I'm not talking about before 1992, I'm talking about after the massacre.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I was many times, many times.

MR BERGER: After this occasion with the arrest two days before the death of Mr Victor Keswa, were you arrested again?

MR MAGUBANE: I was arrested for robbing a policeman in town.

MR BERGER: You are presently in jail, we know that, what I want to ask you is, how long have you been in custody? I don't know if you understand the question but, you've been arrested on a number of occasions, I want to know, from the last time that you were arrested, when was that and how long have you been in custody?

MR MAGUBANE: You mean about political cases or do you mean about robbery and theft? I was arrested for theft and robbery many times.

MR BERGER: You got arrested, then you got released, you got arrested, then you got released?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is correct.

MR BERGER: But you're now permanently in jail?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes.

MR BERGER: How long have you been there?

MR MAGUBANE: I've enjoyed two Xmas' in jail, that is two years.

MR BERGER: So the last time that you were detained was in 1996?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is correct.

MR BERGER: When you were introduced or when you found out that the policeman who had taken you from your room in the hostel was Sergeant Peens, you say that he asked you lots of questions about Getisi.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes.

MR BERGER: And he promised you money and he promised you a house.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes.

MR BERGER: If you gave evidence against Getisi.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes.

MR BERGER: What made you remember that this is Sergeant Peens?

MR MAGUBANE: That is the one who wanted me to help him so that Getisi would be convicted or do his work which he wanted me to do. I would not forget that kind of a person because he was doing this which were unusual.

MR BERGER: The policeman?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, the things which he was saying to me were unusual. I will not forget him.

MR BERGER: Now Getisi died on the 10th of July 1993, so I take it the records will show that you were arrested on or about the 8th of July 1993, am I right, Mr Magubane?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, they would show.

MR BERGER: And you were detained at the Vanderbijl Park Police Station.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes.

MR BERGER: Isn't it so that you knew Sergeant Peens long before July 1993 and you knew Sergeant Peens already in June of 1992?

MR MAGUBANE: No, that is not true, that is not true.

MR BERGER: And isn't is so that you in fact were in a caspir with Sergeant Peens, moving into Boipatong on the night of the 17th of June 1992?

MR MAGUBANE: That is not true.

MR BERGER: Do you say that you don't know Shaka and you don't know Rooikop?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes.

MR BERGER: Two policemen?

MR MAGUBANE: That is correct.

MR BERGER: But you do know Gatchene, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I know Gatchene.

MR BERGER: And you do know Themba Kubeka.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I do.

MR BERGER: And Lucky Stekenyao.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I do.

MR BERGER: And Sipho Lukhozi.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I do.

MR BERGER: And Sipho Buthelezi.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I do.

MR BERGER: And Makuka.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I do.

MR BERGER: And Tsamo.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I do.

MR BERGER: Who is Tsamo?

MR MAGUBANE: He's not present here and he was not being, he was one of our friends who came from the township and he was not an accused in this case.

MR BERGER: What is his name?

MR MAGUBANE: I don't know his full names, I only know Tsamo.

MR BERGER: But he lived in KwaMadala hostel.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is correct.

MR BERGER: Is he still alive?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes.

MR BERGER: And you know Makeze.

MR MAGUBANE: Do you mean Mkhize?

MR BERGER: Makeze.

MR MAGUBANE: I don't know Makeze, I know Mkhize.

MR BERGER: And Dondo.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I do.

MR BERGER: And all the people that I've mentioned, except for Makeze were present and participated in the attack on Boipatong on the 17th of June 1992, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is correct, except Makeze, whom I do not know.

MR BERGER: Is it correct, Mr Kubeka, Mr Magubane, I beg your pardon, that after your parents' house in Sharpeville was burnt, they moved to Boipatong and they were living in Boipatong in June of 1992?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is correct.

MR BERGER: And is it also correct that on the night of the massacre your parents were living in Boipatong?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes.

MR BERGER: And that they continued to live in Boipatong after the massacre?

MR MAGUBANE: Even now they are still in Boipatong.

MR BERGER: Even now.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is correct.

MR BERGER: Are they living in the same house that they lived in when they moved to Boipatong?

MR MAGUBANE: I would not know as to whether they're still at the same place because they are living in the informal settlement, but I know that they are still in Boipatong, but I don't know as to whether it is the same yard or the same place.

MR BERGER: When you say the informal settlement, are you saying that they live in the Slovo Park section of Boipatong?

MR MAGUBANE: They are staying in Sondela. I don't know as to whether it's Chris Hani or what but we know it as Sondela.

MR BERGER: Do you know what street they were living in?

MR MAGUBANE: No, because it's an informal settlement the streets don't have names.

MR BERGER: Were you not afraid that your parents could be killed during the attack on Boipatong?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I was afraid that my parents would be dead but under the circumstances there was nothing I could do because they dissociated themselves from me. Even if I would be killed before them or if, they wouldn't do anything. I didn't have a choice or be afraid when we were going to kill people, that they will be killed also.

MR BERGER: So would I be correct to say that you recognised the possibility before the attack that your parents might get killed in the attack but you carried on with the attack regardless?

MR MAGUBANE: On that day I did not concentrate or I didn't think as to whether they would be killed or not. The situation was tense and I was looking what would happen to me if I don't take part.

MR BERGER: But you wanted to take part in the attack, didn't you?

MR MAGUBANE: I took part in the attack at Boipatong. If my parents were killed I could have taken part in their killing.

CHAIRPERSON: Are you saying that you would have taken part in the killing of your parents?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, as I took part in the general attack of Boipatong, which means if they were killed I would also be responsible because I also took part in the general attack.

MR BERGER: And when ...(intervention)

ADV SIGODI: Sorry, Mr Berger, just on this aspect.

Do you know why your parents' house was burnt down?

MR MAGUBANE: I received a message that my parents' house was burnt because I was a member of the IFP. That is why - because they claimed that people who killed people in that area in Sharpeville, it was alleged that they were people from KwaMadala hostel. Then from there the people in Sharpeville went to burn my parents' house.

ADV SIGODI: At the time that your parents' house was burnt, where were you staying?

MR MAGUBANE: I was at KwaMadala hostel at that time.

ADV SIGODI: Because I thought from your evidence you said you went to stay in KwaMadala because your parents' house was burnt down. Now are you telling us that when it was burnt down you were already staying at KwaMadala?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I was in KwaMadala hostel. My parents' house was burnt whilst I was in prison because it was alleged that I killed people in Sharpeville. Then at that time, in 1991, my parents' house was burnt. I was in KwaMadala hostel at that time.

ADV SIGODI: And your parents were not politically active, were they?

MR MAGUBANE: No, they didn't play a role in politics.

ADV SIGODI: Thank you.

MR BERGER: You told the Committee yesterday that you didn't care who you killed because you wanted to kill everyone, is that right?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is correct.

MR BERGER: And so you shot at everybody, you shot at men, women and children.

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct.

MR BERGER: Would it be correct to say that you wanted to kill everybody living in Boipatong?

MR MAGUBANE: If I had that power I would do so.

MR BERGER: And would you say that that was the intention, not only of yourself, but of all the people who attacked Boipatong with you? That was the desire.

MR MAGUBANE: I believe that all the people who went to Boipatong went there to kill, but I would not say what the individual intentions were. I believe that all the people who went there went there to kill because our intention was to go there and kill.

MR BERGER: Your intention was to go there and kill everybody in Boipatong?

MR MAGUBANE: If it was possible for me to kill all the people in Boipatong I would do so, but the people that I wanted to kill were these boys who belonged to the SDUs. But I was happy that other people were killed as well, but if I had the power I would kill all the people.

MR BERGER: Why?

MR MAGUBANE: Because those people also wanted to kill my parents, so for that reason they ended up burning my parents' house and my parents were innocent, they didn't know anything about politics. They were not involved in politics.

So I left them and I went to KwaMadala hostel because I realised that if I continue living with them, my parents would be killed. So they went there to kill my parents, so what I did is what they wanted to do to my parents.

MR BERGER: My question to you is, why did you want to and why did you kill the women and children and old people?

MR MAGUBANE: Because they also - they killed my father and they burnt my parents' home. So in other words, when I went there I went there for revenge.

MR LAX: Sorry we didn't hear the translation of the first part of that answer, it was cut off slightly. Would you just repeat it please, Mr Interpreter?

MR MAGUBANE: I went there to kill because they killed my parents, they killed my father and that is the reason I went there. So the purpose of me going there was to revenge.

MR BERGER: But your father was living in Boipatong.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, he moved from Sharpeville to Boipatong. When he died he was living at Boipatong.

MR BERGER: Mr Magubane, I don't understand you at all. You told the Committee that your parents lived in Boipatong at the time of the attack, they are still living in Boipatong today, you told the Committee that your father was killed, can you explain that?

MR MAGUBANE: I didn't say that my father was killed, what I said is that my father died while he was living in Boipatong. So the intention of going there to burn my parents' house was to kill my parents, that is why I did what I did. If somebody did not help my father, he would have been killed.

MR BERGER: You've just told the Committee that your father was killed, are you now saying your father wasn't killed?

MR MAGUBANE: I did not say my father was killed, maybe you didn't hear me correctly. They burnt the house and he was inside that house.

ADV SIGODI: Sorry, when did your father die?

MR MAGUBANE: He died around 1992.

ADV SIGODI: How did he die?

MR MAGUBANE: He was ill. I was told that he was very ill but I did not go there to see him. I only learnt after the elections that my father was ill and as a result he died.

ADV SIGODI: He died before the massacre or after the massacre?

MR MAGUBANE: I think he died after the massacre because my younger brother died before my father, so my father died after my elder(sic) brother died.

MR BERGER: And when did your brother die?

MR MAGUBANE: That is when the Boipatong people were buried. He also died during that massacre.

MR BERGER: Your brother was killed during the massacre of the 17th of June 1992?

MR MAGUBANE: When the people were killed in Boipatong who were buried, he died on the same day.

CHAIRPERSON: I don't understand the answer. Was your brother killed during the attack?

MR MAGUBANE: Not during the massacre. The people who were killed on the 17th, when they were buried by brother died on the same day of the burial of the people who died during the massacre.

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you.

ADV SIGODI: Sorry, can you just clarify. Did he die as a result of being attacked during the massacre or did he die of something else, your brother?

MR MAGUBANE: He was attacked.

ADV SIGODI: During the massacre?

MR MAGUBANE: No, he was attacked by the people who attended the funeral. The ANC people who attended the Boipatong funeral service attacked him because he was chased out of the stadium and he died at Sondela.

MR BERGER: What was your brother's name?

MR MAGUBANE: His name is Stanley Maganga.

MR BERGER: And it was after that that your father died?

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct.

MR BERGER: So which of your parents are still living in Boipatong?

MR MAGUBANE: That is my mother and my sister, they are still living at Boipatong and my stepfather.

MR BERGER: I want to come back to the question of why you killed children.

MR MAGUBANE: I've already explained that those people who burnt my parents' house, even if they found children in that house they would have killed them as well. The reason that made me to kill them, children, mothers and everybody is because I wanted to revenge. Those people wanted to kill me, including my parents.

MR BERGER: So your motive for killing all the people that you killed was to take revenge for the burning of your parents' house?

MR MAGUBANE: The situation was very tense then because we were hated because it was alleged we were members of the IFP, that is why I wanted to kill everybody.

MR BERGER: But your motive in killing everybody or in trying to kill everybody, was to take revenge for the burning of your parents' house?

MR MAGUBANE: That is correct.

MR BERGER: And it wasn't just you who was killing everybody or wanted to kill everybody. I want to refer you to your statement on page 91 which you confirmed yesterday. Towards the bottom of the page you say:

"We were actually looking for the SDUs and the comrades, however the group including me proceeded to attack everyone and everything."

MR MAGUBANE: That is correct.

MR BERGER: Who was in this group?

MR MAGUBANE: Mkhize was an Induna in this group. We were so many, I cannot remember all the people who were in my group.

MR BERGER: Besides Mkhize, who else was in your group?

MR MAGUBANE: That is the other boy from Zone 13. I forget his name. He was the one who had a 7.65. That is the only one that I remember because he was always next to me.

MR BERGER: Was that Doctor?

MR MAGUBANE: No, it's not Doctor, it's Smith.

MR BERGER: Yes. You say Smith, Sipho Buthelezi, Thomas Sipho Lukhozi, Themba Mabote and Mkhize, you saw them firing shots?

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct.

MR BERGER: Now were all of those people that I've mentioned part of this group that you referred to which proceeded to attack everyone and everything?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, they were all part of this group.

MR BERGER: And that was when women and children and old people were being shot and hacked and stabbed and killed?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, it happened that day because that is the only massacre, there was never another massacre. So all those people were killed during that day.

MR BERGER: You had a number of people sharing a room with you at the hostel, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct.

MR BERGER: Were they also part of the attack?

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct, they were part of the attack.

MR BERGER: And who were they?

MR MAGUBANE: It was Lucky, Makuka, Dondo, Timothy Mazibuko, but he used to two rooms. He used to live with us and also with Nana, and Zamu as well.

MR BERGER: You all shared a room?

MR MAGUBANE: That is correct, we used the same room.

MR BERGER: What about Kleintjie?

MR MAGUBANE: No, he lived in another room, in another flat.

MR BERGER: And Smo?

MR MAGUBANE: He also stayed at another flat.

MR BERGER: Skalo?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, Skalo lived with Kleintjie as well.

MR BERGER: Gazaza?

MR MAGUBANE: And Gazaza as well lived with Kleintjie.

MR BERGER: Bobo?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, Bobo lived with Kleintjie as well.

MR BERGER: Tapelo?

MR MAGUBANE: And Tapelo as well was there.

MR BERGER: And Nteba?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, he lived with us. I forgot to count him.

MR BERGER: You see, you were asked a question at the criminal trial, page 3007:

"Who stayed with you at that time ..."

That's the time of the attack.

"... stayed with you in your room?"

Which is room number 5. And your answer was:

"It was Kleintjie, Smo, Skalo, Gazaza, Bobo, Tapelo, Nteba. These are all the people who lived together with me."

Besides Nteba, the rest of the names you mentioned there was a lie?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I was lying then because I wanted to win the case. I never stayed with those people.

MR BERGER: Did those people participate in the attack?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, all of them except Bobo. I never saw Bobo during the attack.

MR BERGER: What room did they all live in?

MR MAGUBANE: They all lived in room number 5.

MR BERGER: And you lived in another room?

MR MAGUBANE: I stayed at Zone 2.

MR BERGER: Zone 2, KwaMadala?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that's correct.

MR BERGER: With all the people that you mentioned: Dondo, Lucky and Mazibuko?

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct. I said that Mazibuko also had another room except the one we lived together in.

MR BERGER: Yes, you said he also stayed with Nana Tshabangu.

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct.

MR BERGER: And what room did Andries Nosenga live in when he came to the hostel?

MR MAGUBANE: He used to live in room number 5. He never stayed at the Zone 2 area.

MR BERGER: Did he ever come to the Zone 2 area?

MR MAGUBANE: He used to come because when we were sitting under the trees, when we were washing the cars, he would come and visit us and sit with us.

MR BERGER: He was your friend?

MR MAGUBANE: No, he was not my friend.

MR BERGER: He used to come and sit with you and the other men from your room under the tree, chat.

MR MAGUBANE: I will answer this way. We used to live there together, we didn't care where you lived, in which room you stayed. So we used to chat together at one place.

MR BERGER: But there was no ill-feeling between him and you and any of the people in your room?

MR MAGUBANE: That is correct.

MR BERGER: Why did you steal a blanket and a sound system from Boipatong?

MR MAGUBANE: The place where we lived we had nothing. I used to sleep on the bricks. We didn't have blankets. We had very small blankets. So when I used to sleep always me feet will be outside.

MR BERGER: So the living conditions of the residents at KwaMadala were bad?

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct, they were bad.

MR BERGER: Not just for you but for all the residents of the hostel?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I agree with you when you say that.

MR BERGER: And in Boipatong there were television sets, sound systems, blankets, food, money, and all of that was stolen during the massacre and taken back to the hostel to improve the living conditions of the residents of KwaMadala, would that be fair?

MR MAGUBANE: That is correct.

MR BERGER: Now those goods were burnt the following day.

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct.

MR BERGER: Why?

MR MAGUBANE: We heard that the police were coming and they will get evidence, so it was decided that those goods should be burnt.

MR BERGER: Who decided that?

MR MAGUBANE: Well I don't know who took that decision but the person that I remember telling us to burn those goods was Richard Dlamini.

MR BERGER: Did he come to your room to say you must bring your goods or bring the loot to the rubbish bin, we're going to burn it?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, he went from room to room. If he knew that you had property from Boipatong, he would tell you to take it out because the police were coming. So we took all the goods and we burnt them.

MR BERGER: And you didn't argue with him because you were afraid if the police come they might see that you've got some property?

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct.

MR BERGER: Weren't you afraid of being arrested when you left the hostel to go and attack Boipatong?

MR MAGUBANE: I did that because I knew that it would happen during the night and if the people come to arrest me I will fight back and shoot at them.

MR BERGER: Were you or were you not afraid that you would be arrested?

MR MAGUBANE: No, I was not afraid that I would be arrested.

MR BERGER: And what about the army, you knew that the army patrolled the area around the hostel, weren't you afraid that the soldiers might shoot you or arrest you?

MR MAGUBANE: Those are the people that I even didn't think about. I didn't even think about them. The only people that I thought about were the police. I didn't think about the soldiers at all.

MR BERGER: And do you remember when you came out of Boipatong, you all congregated in the veld before you crossed over the road?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I remember when we were leaving Boipatong, I remember that.

MR BERGER: And you were still carrying your sound system, probably in the blanket, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: No, I put the blanket on my shoulder and in my hands I had the radio. When we gathered there at the open veld I put the sound system on the ground and that is where I wrapped it with a blanket.

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Berger, I'm sorry to interrupt you. We intend taking a break at about quarter past 10, so if it is convenient at about that time, let us know. Thank you.

MR BERGER: After you put the sound system into the blanket you then picked it up and you moved towards KwaMadala hostel?

MR MAGUBANE: That is correct.

MR BERGER: And many of your co-attackers were also carrying stuff, television sets, food, blankets, video recorders, all sorts of things, other people were also carrying, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: Well I would not say all of them because when I say all of them, that would mean everybody who left KwaMadala had a property, but many of them had property with them but others did not.

MR BERGER: Yes. And when you saw the army stationed there, you say it was at the corner by the garage, you didn't think to drop your loot and run quickly to KwaMadala, did you?

MR MAGUBANE: I didn't think about that because I knew that if I leave it there, this is what I wanted, I cannot leave it there. So I wanted them to arrest me with the property that I wanted. I wanted to cross the road with that property.

MR BERGER: And not only you but many of your co-attackers also continued carrying the goods despite the presence of the army about 30 metres away, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: When I was at Court I was told that other property was found there at the open veld, so there are other people who left their property there and that is what led to the police to realise that the people who attacked at Boipatong went to KwaMadala. So other people left their property at the open veld.

MR BERGER: And many, many didn't, with the result that the property landed up in KwaMadala and had to be burnt the following day.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is correct, the property that ended up at KwaMadala hostel was more than the property that was left at the open veld.

MR BERGER: You didn't fear that the army would arrest you, did you?

MR MAGUBANE: I was not afraid that the soldiers would arrest me because most of use were armed, so we were going to fight back and we knew that they'd would run away.

MR BERGER: But they made no attempt to approach you, the army, nor did they run away, correct?

MR MAGUBANE: I cannot say that they ran away because they just moved up. I was told after that they tried to corner us from the front. I learnt about that in Court. So whether they took any initiatives to arrest us, I don't know.

MR BERGER: You are not aware of any initiatives taken by the soldiers to arrest you, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that's correct.

MR BERGER: Am I correct - well, I'd rather put it to you that the reason that you were not afraid of the soldiers is because you were aware that the police were assisting you in Boipatong and you knew that the authorities were not going to stop you on your way back into the hostel, isn't that right?

MR DA SILVA: I object to the question, Mr Chairman, there's no link that even if the police were aware that the army would have been aware of this, I submit with respect, that this question is unfounded. There is no evidence before this Committee at this stage that there was a collusion between the army and the attackers. The only evidence before, in the statement of Mr Nosenga is that there might have been a possible link between the police and the attackers.

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, Mr Berger?

MR BERGER: Chairperson, we have a situation where a large number, hundreds of armed men are moving from Boipatong, this is common cause, from Boipatong to KwaMadala and this witness and several witnesses before him have confirmed that the army made no attempt whatsoever to stop them. Prima facie, that speaks of collusion, I submit.

MR DA SILVA: With respect, no, Mr Chairperson. The only evidence before this Committee is a single military vehicle, on the probabilities. The fact that they at that stage did not do something outwardly doesn't mean that there's collusion, with respect. It's quite clear one single vehicle compared to 300 attackers, what can a single vehicle do?

CHAIRPERSON: I think it's a matter for argument. The situation we have here is that there is a large group of individuals who on the evidence we've had so far, were carrying items and were ...(indistinct), they are seen by the army. On the evidence that we've heard there is nothing that the army does. So what has been put to this witness is the simple proposition that it is because of a collusion, the army was helping them. It is entirely up to the witness, either to admit or deny. I think there is sufficient factual basis to test the proposition against the witness. In those circumstances the question will be allowed.

MR BERGER: Mr Magubane?

CHAIRPERSON: Did you understand the question, Mr Magubane?

MR MAGUBANE: May you please repeat the question?

CHAIRPERSON: You have told us that you're not afraid of the army.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I was not afraid because I knew that if they tried to come to us I would fight back and shoot at them.

CHAIRPERSON: What counsel is putting to you is that you were not afraid of the army, not for the reason that you've just stated, namely you were going to fight it, but because the army and the police were helping you during this massacre and therefore they would not arrest you and that is why you were not afraid of them. Is that the proposition you're wanting to put, Mr Berger?

MR BERGER: It is, thank you.

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, do you understand what I've just put to you?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I do.

CHAIRPERSON: What is your answer?

MR MAGUBANE: No, that is not so.

MR BERGER: Chairperson, perhaps we could take the adjournment now.

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, thank you. We will take an adjournment now and come back at twenty to eleven.

COMMITTEE ADJOURNS

ON RESUMPTION

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Magubane, may I remind you that you are still under oath.

RUBEN MAGANGA TEBOGO MAGUBANE: (s.u.o.)

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, Mr Berger?

CROSS-EXAMINATION BY MR BERGER: (Continued) Thank you, Chairperson.

Mr Magubane, you will recall that it's been put to you that in the Caspir in which you were moving towards Boipatong there were certain policemen, including Mr Peens and a policeman known as Rooikop. Now I'm going to ask - you say you don't know Rooikop?

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct.

MR BERGER: I'm going to ask Mr Peens and the policeman known as Rooikop, who are here today, to come forward and I'm going to ask you if you can identify Mr Peens and I'm going to ask you if you don't know who the other man is ...(intervention)

CHAIRPERSON: Well, Mr Berger, he knows Mr Peens. There is no issue about Mr Peens, he knows Mr Peens. The only person that he says he didn't know is the person known as Shaka and the person known as Rooikop.

MR BERGER: Apparently I was mistaken, Shaka is not here but Rooikop is here.

In that event I'll ask only Rooikop to come forward and ask you, Mr Magubane, ...(intervention)

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Magubane, do you understand the context in which counsel is asking you to identify, to tell us whether the person that you are going to be shown now you know? Do you understand that?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I do.

MR BOTHA: As you please, Mr Chairperson.

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, Mr Botha, yes?

MR BOTHA: I've received instructions now also to appear on behalf of Mr Greeff, also known as Rooikop.

CHAIRPERSON: Okay. Will you just spell the surname of Mr Greeff for the record please.

MR BOTHA: G-R-E-E-F-F. His first name is Hardus.

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, thank you. Is that gentleman here? Who of you gentlemen is Mr Greeff? Are you also known as Rooikop? You are Mr Greeff?

MR GREEFF: That is right. Are you also known as Rooikop?

MR GREEFF: That is right.

MR BERGER: Mr Magubane, do you recognise this gentleman with the white hair who is known as Rooikop, have you see him before?

MR MAGUBANE: I saw this white man, I saw him at the offices of the investigation unit. He was investigating the violence. That is the first time that I met him. I was in the van that he was driving. He was driving me to their offices.

MR BERGER: Chairperson, I think that - unless the Committee wishes, Mr Greeff and Mr Peens can be seated now, it's not necessary for them to ...

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, Mr Greeff, do you confirm that Advocate Botha is your legal representative in these proceedings?

MR GREEFF: That's right.

CHAIRPERSON: Let me just take this opportunity because Mr Peens is also here. The gentleman next to you, would he move over to the microphone please. Are you Mr Peens?

MR PEENS: That is correct.

CHAIRPERSON: What are you full names, Sir?

MR PEENS: Gerhardus Dirk.

CHAIRPERSON: Yes?

MR PEENS: Peens.

CHAIRPERSON: Do you confirm that Advocate Botha is your legal representative in these proceedings?

MR PEENS: That is correct, Sir.

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you. Thank you gentlemen, you may be seated. Yes, Mr Berger?

MR BERGER: Thank you, Chairperson.

CHAIRPERSON: Sorry, Mr Berger.

CHAIRPERSON: Did you want to say anything, Mr ...

MR BOTHA: Yes, Mr Chairperson, may I be excused to take my place there at the back?

CHAIRPERSON: Yes.

MR BOTHA: Thank you.

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Botha, to the extent that we don't see your face, we can easily forget that you are here. If there is anything that you'd like to put to the witnesses, would you let us know?

MR BOTHA: I will indeed, thank you, Mr Chair.

CHAIRPERSON: As long as you are comfortable wherever you are.

MR BOTHA: Thank you, Sir.

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Berger?

MR BERGER: Thank you, Chairperson.

Mr Magubane, when we talk about Rooikop, we are speaking about that man, Mr Greeff, do you accept that?

MR MAGUBANE: That is correct.

MR BERGER: Now your evidence is that neither Mr Peens nor Mr Greeff were in Boipatong that night, is that correct?

MR MAGUBANE: That is correct.

MR BERGER: If they had been in Boipatong, or let me put it this way, if there had been police in Boipatong during the attack, could you have missed them?

MR MAGUBANE: If police were there, I would have recognised them. Although I would not know their names but I would have recognised them.

MR BERGER: And if policemen were in Boipatong in a Caspir, you would definitely have known that, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct, if police were there with us with a Caspir in Boipatong, I would have known that.

MR BERGER: And is it your evidence that nobody has ever told you, and when I say "nobody" I mean not one of your co-attackers or your co-applicants or your co-accused or anybody at KwaMadala, nobody has mentioned to you that the police were in Boipatong on the night of the attack?

MR MAGUBANE: There's no person who would have told me that. If somebody tried to tell me that I would have disagreed with him, I would have told him that he is lying.

MR BERGER: And in particular, nobody has said to you that Mr Peens or Mr Greeff were in a Caspir in Boipatong on the night of the attack?

MR MAGUBANE: There's no-one who ever said that to me.

MR BERGER: When did you see Mr Greeff, Rooikop, for the first time?

MR MAGUBANE: That is when he was arresting me under regulations Act.

MR BERGER: Is that the Regulation 3 that you referred to?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is Regulation 3.

MR BERGER: When you talk about Regulation 3, are you referring to State of Emergency Regulations?

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct.

MR BERGER: And when was that, that Rooikop arrested you?

MR MAGUBANE: It was around 1994. I don't remember well but we had been in prison for about a month. That is when I was now arrested for this Boipatong massacre. I think it was in 1994.

MR BERGER: I think your years are out but don't worry about that, because you also told the Committee that Sergeant Peens also arrested you in terms of Regulation 3, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct.

MR BERGER: Was that the same arrest, when Sergeant Peens arrested you? Did he arrest you together with Rooikop?

MR MAGUBANE: I will not say that they were together because there were many police at KwaMadala, others were outside the hostel, but the person who pointed me and who belonged to the Riot Unit, was Peens.

MR BERGER: And was Rooikop also with the police on that day?

MR MAGUBANE: Well I would not say that he was present when I was arrested that day because I did not see him. There were many police around. It was at night, I wouldn't be able to see him.

MR BERGER: But when you got taken to the Vanderbijl Park Police Station, you saw Peens there and you saw Rooikop there? In other words, you saw them working together, would that be fair?

MR MAGUBANE: I was taken by Rooikop from the police station.

MR BERGER: Would it be fair to say that you saw Sergeant Peens and Rooikop working together?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I would agree with you because it happened the same day. The only difference was just hours.

MR BERGER: And you also said that Rooikop used to work together with another policeman called Barnard.

MR MAGUBANE: That was during the time I was still young. They used to beat us, Rooikop, during those days. Well I don't know whether he's the one who investigated the housebreakings but if it was him he should be old by now.

MR BERGER: Oh, I see, so you were talking about things that happened many years ago?

MR MAGUBANE: The Rooikop that I'm referring to was working with Barnard. It as during the time I was still young and I didn't know anything about the comrades them.

MR BERGER: So that wasn't the Rooikop that you saw today?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I would say so because this one is till young.

MR BERGER: You've told the Committee that, well you denied that there were any whites who were part of the attackers, and then you said that:

"Even at our meeting after we returned, there were no whites."

Which meeting were you referring to?

MR MAGUBANE: We never met that day, that happened when we were told that they are attacking us. During that day of the massacre I never attended any meeting because I went to my room.

MR BERGER: The words which I wrote down as coming from you were: you were asked:

"Were whites part of the attackers?"

You said:

"No."

And then you said:

"Even at our meeting after we returned."

I'm only asking you what meeting you are referring to.

MR MAGUBANE: I've already explained that when we came back from Boipatong I went straight to my room and then I cleaned my gun. I don't know anything about the meeting that day. If I said that, maybe I must have made a mistake.

MR BERGER: Which meetings did you attend before the massacre, in relation to the attack on Boipatong?

MR MAGUBANE: There has never been a meeting that I attended where the massacre issue was discussed. The only meeting that I attended - I heard that we were going to attack but they never specified where are we going to attack. They never specified that we were going to attack Boipatong. That's the only meeting that I attended.

MR BERGER: When was that meeting?

MR MAGUBANE: I think it can be a week or two weeks before the attack.

MR BERGER: So you never attended any meeting where an attack on Boipatong was discussed?

MR MAGUBANE: No, I did not.

MR BERGER: Now does that mean that there were some meetings that you did not attend, and it might have been said at those meetings that there was going to be an attack on Boipatong, or does it mean that you attended all the meetings but that an attack on Boipatong was never discussed? Do you understand the difference?

MR MAGUBANE: I will explain it this way. I was attending the meetings only when I'm present at the hostel but when I'm in town I would not attend those meetings. If any meeting was held while I was around the hostel, I would attend that meeting but in all the meetings that I've attended, I've never heard a discussion about the attack on Boipatong.

MR BERGER: On the Sunday before the massacre, were you at the hostel?

MR MAGUBANE: I don't remember whether I attended a meeting during that day, on Sunday.

MR BERGER: No, that wasn't the question, the question is, on that day were you at the hostel?

MR MAGUBANE: I can say I was at the hostel because I would not have gone to the town on Sunday, so I think I was around the hostel.

MR BERGER: And if there had been a meeting on that Sunday, you would have attended it?

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct.

MR BERGER: And if Themba Khosa had spoken at that meeting, you would have heard him?

MR MAGUBANE: I would have heard about it because I would have attended that meeting if he was there.

MR BERGER: And even if you hadn't attended that meeting, somebody would have said to you; by the Themba Khosa was here today, talking about the attacks on us, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct, you are right.

MR BERGER: But you never heard any such talk and you never saw or heard Themba Khosa?

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct.

MR BERGER: You see, Mr Magubane, that again you are not telling the truth because your own co-applicants, Mr Victor Mthembu, has told us about that very meeting where Themba Khosa addressed the hostel residents. You were at that meeting, I put it to you, you ...(intervention)

CHAIRPERSON: Would that be the meeting on Sunday?

MR MAGUBANE: I've already explained that if I attended that meeting, I would say so. I know nothing about that meeting which was attended by Themba Khosa. If there was a meeting on that Sunday, if I was present then Themba Khosa was not there.

MR BERGER: Well we know you were at the hostel for the whole day on that Sunday.

MR MAGUBANE: I will agree with you that I was at the hostel on that Sunday.

MR BERGER: The meeting that you attended about a week before the attack, what instruction was given at that meeting?

MR MAGUBANE: We were told that we are going to attack but we were not told about the dates and we were not told about the place that we are going to attack. So because we were angry, we wanted them to tell us, because those people who were attacking us, they never waited for a long time. Whenever they catch you, they kill you at the same time, so we wanted to attack immediately.

MR BERGER: And when you talk about the people catching you, you're talking about the people from Boipatong catching you and killing you?

MR MAGUBANE: I'm referring to the members of the ANC in the Vaal Triangle, including Boipatong.

MR BERGER: When last, or let me ask you this, did you see Vanana Zulu in Boipatong on the night of the attack?

MR MAGUBANE: No, I did not.

MR BERGER: When last did you see him before the attack?

MR MAGUBANE: The last time I saw him was when he was leaving and was going home.

MR BERGER: Did you see him leaving?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I did.

MR BERGER: And when was that, when was he going home?

MR MAGUBANE: I don't remember the day but if I'm not mistaken it was on a Friday because the transport used to collect them every Friday.

MR BERGER: Would that be the Friday before the attack?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that was before the attack.

MR BERGER: The attack was on a Wednesday, so would that have been the Friday just before that Wednesday?

MR MAGUBANE: I think that is the same Friday or a week before that Friday before the attack.

MR BERGER: If Prince Vanana Zulu had been in Boipatong on the night of the attack, you would have seen him, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct, we would have recognised him because he's a leader of the hostel, we all depend on him.

MR BERGER: What he says in the hostel, or what he said in the hostel was law, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: That is correct, we followed everything that he said.

MR BERGER: When you got into Boipatong, is it correct that you - well, let me ask you this - never mind. What happened to your gun, the one that you used in Boipatong?

MR MAGUBANE: It was lost.

MR BERGER: Did the police get your gun?

MR MAGUBANE: Well I don't know whether they got hold of that gun because when I went to look for it, my weapon was not there.

MR BERGER: When did Prince Vanana Zulu return to the hostel?

MR MAGUBANE: He came back after the Boipatong massacre.

MR BERGER: How long after?

MR MAGUBANE: It could not be weeks but days after the massacre, it can be about four days, three to four days after the massacre.

MR BERGER: Did you tell him that you had participated in the massacre.

MR MAGUBANE: I did not.

MR BERGER: Did he know that the residents of KwaMadala were responsible for the massacre?

MR MAGUBANE: He did not know, he only heard the rumour.

MR BERGER: Why did you not tell him, why did nobody tell him?

MR MAGUBANE: He's a well respected person. There are people who talk to me, not everybody. We do sometimes talk to him but we cannot sit down with him and talk to him about issues because of he was a respected person.

MR BERGER: You say in your statement that Mr Themba Khosa did not know that you stole property from Boipatong. Do you remember that he came to the hostel on the day after the attack, on the 18th?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, he came after the Boipatong massacre, but I don't remember whether it was a day after or two days after but he did come to the hostel.

MR BERGER: He asked - did he ask whether you were responsible for the massacre, "you" plural.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, he asked us about the attack and we said no.

MR BERGER: Why, why did you lie to Themba Khosa?

MR MAGUBANE: We believed that you do agree, you don't confer, you don't agree to kill them.

MR BERGER: But Themba Khosa was your leader, why did you keep the truth from your leader?

MR MAGUBANE: It is because he was not involved in what we did.

MR BERGER: Is it because you thought he would not have approved of what you did?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I think so. I think maybe he will not agree to what we did and that is why we did not tell him what happened.

MR BERGER: You deny that any woman was raped in Boipatong on the night of the attack and you say that: "We would not do that". Please tell me why, if you would shoot children and old people and women, it' not possible for any of the attackers to have raped some of the women of Boipatong?

MR MAGUBANE: This ntelezi, when you use ntelezi you don't have to sleep with a woman immediately after you have used that ntelezi.

MR BERGER: Why not?

MR MAGUBANE: You don't have to sleep with a woman after using ntelezi.

MR BERGER: Is that the law?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, that is the law, that after you use it, you should not sleep with a woman that day.

MR BERGER: But the law doesn't say that after you've used ntelezi you can't shoot children?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, the law doesn't say so. The law doesn't say that I should kill children. Anything that I want to do, I'll do it.

MR BERGER: Did you see Mr Thomas Mhlapo in Boipatong on the night of the attack?

MR MAGUBANE: I didn't see Thomas Mhlapo in Boipatong on that day.

MR BERGER: Do you know Thomas Mhlapo?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I do, he was my co-accused.

MR BERGER: And Velapi Nkosi?

MR MAGUBANE: I don't know Velapi Nkosi, maybe I know him by other names.

MR BERGER: You didn't know everybody staying in KwaMadala hostel, did you?

MR MAGUBANE: I knew all the people who were resident at KwaMadala, but when you ask me about their real name, I would not know them. I know them by nicknames, other names that we used to call each other.

MR BERGER: Do you know Ernest Ntombela?

MR MAGUBANE: I know the surname. There is another one who was my co-accused, but I don't know whether he is Ernest, I only know the surname of Ntombela, unless you can give me one of his other names.

MR BERGER: Was Themba Mabote accidentally injured in Boipatong on the night of the attack?

MR MAGUBANE: I learnt that after - I heard the rumour that he was injured but I never saw him. I cannot even say how he was injured.

MR BERGER: And that he was accidentally injured by Ernest Ntombela?

MR MAGUBANE: I don't know who injured him. I heard a rumour that he injured himself.

ADV BOSMAN: Mr Berger, could you please try and confine the questions to full disclosure, and that full disclosure to material facts. I think we've got more or less the whole background of has happened, as well as to the political objective. That is all.

MR BERGER: Advocate Sigodi, one of the points that we intend to argue at the end of the case is that all the people, well there's a pattern, that when an applicant is asked for people who were involved in the attack, other people, we get either co-applicants or people who or dead, or people who can't be identified.

ADV BOSMAN: Well then put that to the applicant because the pattern would emerge from all the evidence that we have heard so far.

MR BERGER: Yes, and what I'm doing is, I'm going through co-accused who were acquitted. And what is emerging from the answers is that either the witness does not know them or he does not know that they were in Boipatong on the night of the attack. So it's aimed at full disclosure, is very I'm going, but I'll bring it to an end.

Let me just give you the names of the people that I'm going to ask you whether any of them were in Boipatong on the night of the attack: Tandanane Ngubane, Ephraim Kasane, Jotham Zulu, Methlandodo Sibiya, Hunter Selo Ndlovu, Swelemuti Msane, Masinane Sithole, Bhekumuzi Ngema. Were any of those people in Boipatong on the night of the massacre?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, they were there.

MR BERGER: All the people whose names I've just mentioned?

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct, all those people were there.

MR BERGER: The first time you met Andries Nosenga was at KwaMadala hostel before you were arrested for your participation in the massacre, is that correct?

MR MAGUBANE: No, that is not correct.

MR BERGER: When was the first time you met Andries Matanzima Nosenga?

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Berger, the evidence that we have here is that he met Mr Nosenga upon his release on bail.

MR BERGER: Finally, Mr Magubane, you told the Committee that:

"We did what we did in Boipatong because we knew the police were not there."

Do you remember that?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I do.

MR BERGER: You knew that the police and the army patrolled outside the hostels, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: That hostel is inside Iscor premises so the security belonging to Iscor used to patrol there. Soldiers will only come where there was political unrest, the same way as they were patrolling in the townships.

MR BERGER: The soldiers and the police, in particular the soldiers, would patrol along the road which came from the hostel, in fact along the road that you walked along, am I right?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, they used that road because there is no other road they would use if they wanted to enter the hostel. So you have to go under the bridge and they will use that road and then they will turn there at the Queenspark field.

MR BERGER: Yes, they wouldn't come all the way to the hostel, they would use that road and then they would turn back.

MR MAGUBANE: That's correct, they will turn back.

MR BERGER: Now how did you know that the police and the army and Iscor security would be nowhere in sight as you left he hostel that night, would be nowhere in sight for an hour or two hours as you massacred the residents of Boipatong? How did you know that there would be no police, army or Iscor security present?

MR MAGUBANE: We knew that they would not see us but if they were present, we would see them. We knew that they would not see us.

MR BERGER: How did you know that they would not see you, because after all you didn't hide on your way to Boipatong, you walked along the main road to Boipatong, and when you returned to KwaMadala, you didn't hid, you walked along the main road and came back in through the main entrance.

MR MAGUBANE: We didn't know that they would not see us because we used the same road, the road that they use. So they would have seen us if they were there. So we didn't see any Caspir when we crossed the bridge, under the bridge.

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Magubane, the question is this; your behaviour that night in walking along the road into Boipatong and coming back the same road without an attempt to hide yourselves suggests that you knew that the police were either not there or they were not going to do anything to you, do you understand that?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I do.

CHAIRPERSON: How did you know that the police were not going to see you?

MR MAGUBANE: We are the only people who were using that road, during the day and during the night. So we know that at a certain time the police are not around that area and there are no cars that are using that road. So we were running when we left the hostel so as to see ourselves going under the bridge. We were running because we were hurrying to arrive where we were going.

CHAIRPERSON: Yes.

MR BERGER: Thank you, Chairperson.

You were chanting se'Sotho as you moved towards Boipatong, were you not?

MR MAGUBANE: That is not correct.

MR BERGER: I want to put it to you that the reason that you and your fellow attackers were so brazen in leaving KwaMadala through the main gate and returning back through the main gate and making no attempt to conceal yourselves or your weapons or the loot that you were carrying, is because you well knew and you had been given the assurance by Themba Khosa and by certain policemen, that you would not be interfered with on the night of the attack, instead you would be assisted by the police.

MR MAGUBANE: That is not so, there was no-one that told us that the police would assist us when we attack the people of Boipatong. We didn't know about that. If it was known, maybe it was known to a few people.

MR BERGER: You mean to the leaders of the attack?

MR MAGUBANE: If it was discussed or it was known, it was only known to the leadership, those people who were involved in the planning because I would not be in a position to disagree with them when they say so.

MR BERGER: But you never asked anyone, either a co-attacker or someone in leadership? You never said; what about Iscor security, what about the police, what about the army, they might catch us our way to Boipatong. You never raised those concerns?

MR MAGUBANE: That is so.

MR BERGER: Thank you, I have no further questions.

NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BY MR BERGER

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Malindi?

CROSS-EXAMINATION BY MR MALINDI: Thank you, Chairperson.

Mr Magubane, when Richard Dlamini was coming to the rooms to tell you to take out the things that you stole from the township, who was he with?

MR MAGUBANE: He was alone.

MR MALINDI: Was he not with Matanda?

MR MAGUBANE: Well I did not see him with Matanda. I know Matanda, he speaks too much, I know him. Even if he was with Matanda, maybe Matanda was in another room.

MR MALINDI: Was he not with Mr Bhekinkosi Mkhize as well?

MR MAGUBANE: I don't know, I don't remember well.

MR MALINDI: Did you see either Matanda or Mr Mkhize also helping to inform the residents to take out the goods to be burnt?

MR MAGUBANE: That hostel is very big, I won't be able to see around the hostel. There are places that I will not be able to see.

MR MALINDI: Mr Mazibuko who gave evidence before you said that Mr Dlamini, Mr Mkhize and Matanda were telling people to take things out, you didn't see that?

MR MAGUBANE: I would not dispute what he said, maybe he saw them together, maybe the time that I saw them they had already dispersed.

MR MALINDI: In order to take revenge for what happened to your family in Sharpeville, why didn't you recommend that Sharpeville be attacked rather than Boipatong?

MR MAGUBANE: If we had transport I would suggest that we go and attack Sharpeville. I would fight and tell them that we should go to Sharpeville but now because we did not have a transport, it was difficult for us to go there so we decided to attack these people next to us because they also participated in attacking us.

MR MALINDI: But the Boipatong people had not participated in the burning of your house in Sharpeville, is it not so?

MR MAGUBANE: The people living at Boipatong are also supporters of the ANC.

MR MALINDI: And you did not have information that every resident of Boipatong was a member or supporter of the ANC?

MR MAGUBANE: You will not live in the township if you are not in the support of the ANC.

MR MALINDI: Well your parents left Sharpeville and went to Boipatong, and you said they were not politically involved.

MR MAGUBANE: That is correct, I said so.

MR MALINDI: And there must have been many other residents who were not politically involved in Boipatong?

MR MAGUBANE: When they arrived in Boipatong, they participated in politics.

MR MALINDI: On page 91 of the bundle, in your affidavit, you state that the people who were in control of the meeting of the 17th of June 1992 before you left to attack Boipatong, were Mkhize, Damarra and other Indunas. Could you give the Committee the names of the other Indunas who were in control of this meeting?

MR MAGUBANE: The other Indunas were Malankana, he was also a co-accused but he was acquitted. We used to call him Malankana. He was from KwaZulu Natal. I don't know whether from Nonkoma or where. The other one, there's another big man, I forget his name.

MR MALINDI: Any other Indunas?

MR MAGUBANE: I don't remember others.

MR MALINDI: Was Malankana acquitted or was he discharged at the end of the State's case?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, he was acquitted, he was found not guilty.

MR MALINDI: Thank you, Chairperson, no further questions.

NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BY MR MALINDI

CHAIRPERSON: Ms Cambanis?

MS CAMBANIS: Nothing, thank you, Mr Chairman.

NO QUESTIONS BY MS CAMBANIS

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, thank you.

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Mapoma?

MR MAPOMA: Thank you, Chairperson, I have no questions.

NO QUESTIONS BY MR MAPOMA

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you. Any re-examination?

MR STRYDOM: No re-examination, thank you.

NO RE-EXAMINATION BY MR STRYDOM

MS PRETORIUS: No questions, thank you.

NO QUESTIONS BY MS PRETORIUS

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you.

CROSS-EXAMINATION BY MR DA SILVA: Mr Magubane, during your cross-examination you stated on two occasions that, with reference to the military vehicle that you saw, that you would fight back and that they would run away. I get the impression when you state that, that you were confident that if you had to enter into a fight, and when I say "you' I mean it in the plural, I mean the group, that if you had to enter into a fight with the military vehicle you would have no doubt of victory, do you agree with that?

MR MAGUBANE: We would not claim victory but we would fight and maybe they would arrest us, but after a struggle.

MR DA SILVA: Do you believe that a single military vehicle would be able to arrest the group of people that was crossing the road, a group of about 300 or 200 people?

MR MAGUBANE: No, they would not.

MR DA SILVA: Now if that was so obvious, wouldn't that be obvious to the people in the military vehicle as well? ...(intervention)

CHAIRPERSON: Mr da Silva, are you expecting this witness to express an opinion as to what was going on in the mind of the people who were in the army vehicle? Isn't it sufficient for him just to tell us what his perception of the situation was. I mean surely, we are not here to listen to his opinion as to what was going on in the mind of the army.

MR DA SILVA: I'll leave that question, I won't take it further.

CHAIRPERSON: Yes.

MR DA SILVA: You testified earlier that the vehicle that you saw was in the vicinity of the robots, and I understood your evidence to be that the group crossed at the footbridge, are you able to estimate the distance between the group and the vehicle?

MR MAGUBANE: The car has already passed the bridge when we passed. It was at a distance, the car was parked at a distance.

MR DA SILVA: Would you agree with me that on your explanation, the distance between the robot and the footbridge is in excess of 100 metres, or can't you say?

MR MAGUBANE: You say 100 metres?

MR DA SILVA: Yes, 100 metres, more than 100 metres.

MR MAGUBANE: If 100 metres can equal this hall twice, then I would agree.

MR DA SILVA: Well we've measured the hall, it would be in excess of three times the length of this hall, would you agree with that?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I would do.

MR DA SILVA: My instructions are that the military vehicle never saw people carrying goods while they were crossing the bridge or crossing the road, do you have any comment in that regard?

MR MAGUBANE: If they say so, I would agree because where we were it was dark but where they were there was light. I would agree if they say they did not see people.

MR DA SILVA: I'm sorry, perhaps I didn't understand your answer properly. The point put to you or the question put to you was that they saw nobody carrying any goods, would you dispute that?

MR MAGUBANE: We were in a group and then we crossed very fast. As to whether they turned and looked around, if they did not see, they did not see and then I would agree because if a person passes you at the back, you are not able to see.

MR DA SILVA: Now a further question was put to you in regard to whether you were aware of any initiatives being taken by the military vehicle to arrest you, and you say you were not aware of such initiatives, so you would not dispute that in fact steps were being taken at that time, is that correct?

MR MAGUBANE: I would not agree or disagree because the road we used we had no obstacle or no hindrance in our movements. Even in Court we heard that the soldiers entered in the grass and then they shot in the air. I heard in Court. I did not see them, even under the bridge I did not see them.

MR DA SILVA: Are you aware that at a later stage more military vehicles were in the vicinity, were called to the vicinity? Do you have any comment in that regard?

MR MAGUBANE: Do you mean the following day?

MR DA SILVA: After the group had crossed the road, a few minutes after that, say an half an hour after that there were more military vehicles in the vicinity.

CHAIRPERSON: Is there any indication how many military vehicles were there at that stage?

MR DA SILVA: There were several vehicles at different stages, Mr Chairman, it's difficult for me to say precisely at what stage. The question is a general question, whether the witness is aware of further military vehicles after they had for instance, entered KwaMadala hostel.

CHAIRPERSON: Well it's just that I wanted clarity because I had understood what put to the other witness, that there were only two vehicles that were available at that particular time ...(intervention)

MR DA SILVA: Mr Chairman, I don't want to go, protract the proceedings into going into a long detail, but at various stages during the night to the following morning there were different vehicles coming in. At the stage when they were crossing the road, there were only Buffels available at that stage. I'm talking after they had entered into the KwaMadala hostel, if the witness is aware of further military vehicles in the vicinity.

CHAIRPERSON: In the vicinity of the hostel?

MR DA SILVA: Of the hostel, yes, Mr Chairman.

MR MAGUBANE: The room which I use is in the middle of the hostel so I would not be able to see what was happening at the gate.

MR DA SILVA: I don't have any further questions.

NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BY MR DA SILVA

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, thank you. Yes, Ms Tanzer?

CROSS-EXAMINATION BY MS TANZER: Thank you, Chairman.

You say that Mr Nosenga came chatting to you in Zone 2, in your cross-examination, how often did he do this?

MR MAGUBANE: I would not be able to say he came daily or on a particular day but all the time he was inside, then he would not talk Zulu or communicate with the Zulus because he did not know Zulu. He would come to our group because we are Sotho-speaking.

MS TANZER: When he came to chat, did he talk about the Boipatong attack, did he mention police assistance in the attack, did he mention any events of that night?

MR MAGUBANE: No.

MS TANZER: Did you ever discuss between yourselves what happened that night?

CHAIRPERSON: When you say "between yourselves", does it exclude Mr Nosenga?

MS TANZER: Well not really, between the residents, "yourselves" in plural.

MR MAGUBANE: We were not discussing about this issue because it happened and then it passed.

MS TANZER: According to your testimony, Mr Nosenga only joined the hostel after the attack, were you not suspicious of him, that perhaps he was an ANC or police spy?

MR MAGUBANE: We did not have suspicion. He told me that he was sent by the ANC for the first time when he came, that he was coming to observe what was happening in the hostel.

Then he was taken to the office and then he appeared on the newspapers as to whether what was happening, what was he doing in the hostel and what happened, that he wanted to kill Getisi. From there he was taken back to the township. He knew that he was going to be killed if he can go back to the township. Then after he was made to stay in the hostel, we had to protect him because the ANC was going to kill him, so he stayed in the hostel.

MS TANZER: You said he wasn't a friend of yours though, did you ever visit him in his room?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I had friends who were staying in that room, not him.

MS TANZER: No further questions.

NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BY MS TANZER

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you.

After the - well, did you go to the stadium after you'd heard what has been referred to as "Ixilongo".

INTERPRETER: May you please repeat your question, Sir?

CHAIRPERSON: Did you go to the stadium after you've heard what has been described here as "Ixilongo"?

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, you mean before the attack?

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, just before the attack, yes.

MR MAGUBANE: Yes, I did.

CHAIRPERSON: And who spoke to the people who had gathered there?

MR MAGUBANE: It would depend what was the purpose of the meeting. If it was called ...(intervention)

CHAIRPERSON: I'm referring to the night of the 17th just before you proceed to Boipatong.

MR MAGUBANE: That is Mkhize.

CHAIRPERSON: What did he say?

MR MAGUBANE: He said this is the time about your complaints, we should go and arm ourselves and then we're going to attack.

CHAIRPERSON: Just repeat that again, be very slow so that the interpreter can interpret that.

MR MAGUBANE: He said this is the day which we were crying for, everyone must go back to his room and collect his arms, we're going to attack, we're going to attack Boipatong.

The slogan which we would use is se'Sotho, not that we're going to sing se'Sotho. We should take white headbands and put them on the head so that we will be able to identify one another.

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you.

Mr Sibanyoni, do you have any questions?

MR SIBANYONI: Thank you, Mr Chairperson, no questions.

ADV SIGODI: No questions, thank you, Sir.

CHAIRPERSON: Is there anything arising from this?

MR BERGER: Nothing.

NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BY MR BERGER

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, very well.

Thank you, Mr Magubane, you may return to your seat.

WITNESS EXCUSED

CHAIRPERSON: In view of the time, we are not going to deal with your next witness, Mr Strydom. We will have to adjourn until Monday. Did we agree on a time on Monday?

MR BERGER: I'm keeping ...(intervention)

MR STRYDOM: No, Chairperson, but I can suggest 9 o'clock.

CHAIRPERSON: Okay, alright. Shall we start at nine thirty. Okay, very well, these proceedings then stand adjourned until Monday at nine thirty.

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Name: Timothy Stals Mazibuko