Human Rights Violation Hearings — East London — 1997-06-12

NOXOLO MJILA: If the Commission could investigate what, exactly what these people 
wanted from me, because I am not a member of any political organisation.  There were 
three men.  I want to know who they are.  It is difficult, the Law must prevail, the Law 
must take over.  Thirdly, I am injured as a result of the attack.  My arm cannot 
function well.  It is partially paralysed.  I cannot work properly.  There is a pipe, there 
was a pipe inserted inside of me.  I have a synthetic pipe to help the functioning of my 
veins to my heart.  My life changed after the incident.  If, somehow, the Commission 
could help me.  I want to go back to school.  I have a child.  My husband works at a 
factory.  He cannot financially support the entire family well enough.

PROF MAGWAZA: Okay, one more short question for you Thembisa.  You 
sustained six bullet wounds.  How is your condition and what did you expect from the 
Commission?

THEMBISA SIWALE: I frequently have to go to the hospital.  It is the bullet that got my liver 
that damaged my system the most.  I have to go to the hospital most frequently.  My 
intestines get wound up and entangled.  Also, my left hand does not function well.  I 
have a weak leg.  I also have a child.  I am a single parent.  My child's father passed 
away.  It is difficult to get a job because of this operation.

PROF MAGWAZA: I understand your situation is a difficult one.  We will take your 
request and take it seriously Thembisa.  Thank you.

CHAIRPERSON: Mrs June Crichton has a few questions before you take off your 
headphones.

JUNE CRICHTON: Actually just one question for Thembisa.  Thembisa, you were 
quite clear that you identified the one member of that group of three.  Now, at the time 
you were living in NU3.  The incident happened in NU3 where your sister lived.  You 
are now, I see, are living at NU2.  Do you still see this man that you named in your 
statement?

THEMBISA SIWALE: No, that was the last time I saw him, the day of the incident.

JUNE CRICHTON: So as far as you know he is not resident in Mdantsane anymore?

THEMBISA SIWALE: He stays in Sipoenzani.  He was never a Mdantsane resident.

JUNE CRICHTON: Do you know what kind of work he was doing?

THEMBISA SIWALE: He worked in a factory.

JUNE CRICHTON: Thank you Thembisa.

CHAIRPERSON: One question for you Noxolo.  Your husband also knew the other 
man that Thembisa recognised.  Let, I am trying to get clarity.  How does he know this 
man?  Does he know them?

NOXOLO MJILA: He actually said he does not know any of the men.

CHAIRPERSON: Was there a court case?

NOXOLO MJILA: A policeman recently came saying he is going to investigate the matter. 
 I had gone to the police station.  I told them that I had laid charges in 1993, but 
nothing had been done.  However, a certain policeman said he is going to investigate 
the matter.  He tried, but the case was closed.

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you.  I will hand over to Dr Magwaza to conclude.

PROF MAGWAZA: Again, thank you very much for coming forward.  This is one 
situation where you became victims in circumstances where you were not involved at 
all, but nevertheless I think the cause of your strength, your courage, you came out 
that experience together.  To see you today functioning as you are is a clear sign that 
whatsoever those people wanted to do to you did not succeed.  I always want to 
emphasise the strength.  I know you have suffered a lot.  You cannot work well and 
function as well as you did before, but I want to say to you in my own mind you are 
still very strong people to have come through that experience and to be sitting like this 
today.  Thank you very much.

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you.  We will go, proceed with the next witness.
1

NOXOLO MJILA: MDANTSANE HEARING TRC/

EASTERN CAPE: 6

THEMBISA SIWALE: MDANTSANE HEARING TRC/

EASTERN CAPE: 7

NOXOLO MJILA: MDANTSANE HEARING TRC/