Amnesty Hearings — Johannesburg — 1998-05-11

GARY JOHN KRUSER: Mr Chairman, at the time of the shooting I was a member of the ANC and also an employee of the ANC.  Secondly I was also deployed by the ANC, which is different from employment.  I worked and was deployed in the position where I had to defend the ANC, its constitution, its leadership and its members, that was my function and my deployment.
	The ANC at that stage was preparing itself for the first democratic election in this country.  Part of my responsibility over and above my normal responsibilities was to ensure that we have proper security for elections, that's one of the reasons why we purchased the firearms.  I was also aware of the immense rivalry between the ANC and the IFP at that stage and the concerted efforts by the IFP to ensure that the elections would not take place.  
	As I stated earlier, at the time when I gave the order to repel the marchers I had in my mind my political responsibility towards the ANC, its building, its people and its leaders and also the upcoming election which was about to take place.  So I had no doubt in my mind, if they invaded the building and killed members of the ANC and leaders of the ANC that the historic election which took place in this country would not have taken place at that time.  And therefor I think my political objectives was in line with my political responsibilities to defend the ANC.

GEORGE BIZOS: In your affidavit, the first affidavit that you filed, you say that you regret the loss of life and the injuries.  How do you feel about that, how did you feel about it then and how do you feel about it now?

GARY JOHN KRUSER: Mr Chairman, again I want to say I grew up in the movement, in the ANC as better known as the movement.  In the movement they taught us the basics of human rights, a movement which ensures human rights exist in this country exists today and a movement which valued all human life immaterial which political party it came from.  Therefor it's been very painful, not only for me, but also for my colleagues.  It's something that we unfortunately are going to have to live with till the day we die.
	We regret not only the loss of these lives, but the loss of all lives that was lost on that day and I think through the history of the struggle of this country. So, as a movement and as an individual we are very sorry that people died on that day, but till today I'm convinced I had no other option but to give the order to repel.

GEORGE BIZOS: Thank you, Mr Chairman, that concludes the evidence.
NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BY MR BIZOS

CHAIRPERSON: We lost a lot of time this morning and I can understand some of the difficulties.   I'd like to know from all of you whether it is convenient for us to make a start a little earlier tomorrow morning.  Can we commence at 09h30 tomorrow morning?

MR PRETORIUS: From our point of view, yes, Mr Chairman.  May I just ask at the same time, for my own sake, I presently live in the Eastern Cape and have got a flight reservation Friday for 17h15 and if we would sit on Friday later than 16h00, to make arrangements for other flights possibly, Mr Chairman.

CHAIRPERSON: ...(inaudible)
COMMITTEE ADJOURNS