Human Rights Violation Hearings — Mabopane — 1997-05-08

RUSSELL ALLY: Was that statement used in court, was it produced in court? In your court case? When you appeared in court was that statement presented as proof of your involvement? Did the police bring that statement to court?

UNKNOWN: Yes, that's true they took it to court and it was used in court.

RUSSELL ALLY: And your lawyers, you were represented by lawyers for human rights, is that correct?

UNKNOWN: We were represented by a lawyer called Seuns.

RUSSELL ALLY: Now you say that you were found guilty, three of you and you were then sentenced to death, and you were sent and placed in death row.

UNKNOWN: That is true.

RUSSELL ALLY: And you were in death row for five, six years? How long?

UNKNOWN: I was sentenced in 1987 then I was released in 1993 on the 8th February.

RUSSELL ALLY: Can you tell us a little bit about what it was like to be on death row, because we have heard from, from  people about that experience. Can you just, if you want to, if its too difficult for you to want to go through, then we will understand but if you'd like to share some of that experiences of what it must be like to be on death row.

UNKNOWN: I felt that I'm not a person I'm like a bit caged you would not live in peace knowing that any time when you see people who were hanged you cannot be happy. Other time you be kind because you know that you are expecting to die at any time. If they said to you that we are going to hang you to-day there is no way you can run to.

RUSSELL ALLY: Then eventually in 1993 you say you were reprieve and you were granted indemnity, was that under the indemnification act at the time? Or when there was negotiations and talks taking place between the ANC and the then government, the National Party government?

UNKNOWN: Yes that's true.

RUSSELL ALLY: Was this on the basis that, of you being a member of the ANC or do you remember the circumstances of your being given indemnity?

UNKNOWN: When I was released they told me that I should stay at home and that they give me limitations where I should go and where I shouldn't go, and then all the time they should find me home when they come.

RUSSELL ALLY: And presently do you still have any, are there any restrictions on your movements or

UNKNOWN: No I've no restrictions now sir.

RUSSELL ALLY: Thank-you very much for coming to speak to us about, what I'm sure is, was a very difficult time for you, thank-you.

CHAIRPERSON: Mrs Seroke.

MS SEROKE: : You said when you came from jail you found that your children and your wife were not available at home and your wife was staying with another man. Did you ever try to go and see them? That is your children.

UNKNOWN: I only saw my children get changed. I sent my uncle, because of our tradition we used to send our uncles to our wives, but my uncle did not succeed to get my wife back for me, because they regarded me, my wife's parent, regarded me as a prisoner.

MS SEROKE: : Were you allowed to see your children?

UNKNOWN: No my children had to escape so that they can see me.

MS SEROKE: Do you have any reverend who assists you with your problems?

UNKNOWN: No.

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Chauke you've come to tell us about a very difficult time in your life, which affected your life very, very dearly, and still affects your life. Thank you for sharing with us and bringing your picture to the photo album of the day.  I do hope that the future will be a bright future for you and that you and your children will be re-united once again, but thankyou for being with us and all the best for the future. Thank you.