Human Rights Violation Hearings — Nelspruit — 1996-09-04

MAHLASELA PAUL MHLONGO: Yes, sometimes I do have a problem with the hands, but sometimes not.

MR MALAN: Okay, thank you, Mr Mhlongo, I don't think I have any further questions.

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Mhlongo, when the Department of Home Affairs sent the particulars to the prison that you were a South African citizen, when you were released, did you go to an attorney to tell them that you had been improperly arrested?

MAHLASELA PAUL MHLONGO: No, I did not go to the attorney, because I really don't have money.  I don't have money and it is very difficult for me, although I had that wish, but since I had no money I couldn't.

CHAIRPERSON: Did you go to a doctor to examine you immediately after you were released from prison?

MAHLASELA PAUL MHLONGO: Yes, I had my doctor, Dr Bobbatt. I used to consult him four times a week and he is now in Durban.  If it wasn't his attempt, perhaps I could have been crippled.

CHAIRPERSON: While you were in jail, did you lose your job at Foschinis?

MAHLASELA PAUL MHLONGO: Yes, I lost my job.  When I went back there they said no, they have already employed somebody there in my place, they can no longer accommodate me.

CHAIRPERSON: How long had you been working for them before you went to jail?

MAHLASELA PAUL MHLONGO: I worked there for almost nine years.

CHAIRPERSON: When you went back to them did they pay you any kind of pension for the nine years that you had worked there?

MAHLASELA PAUL MHLONGO: No, they didn't pay me money.  The money which I received from them, it was just the money for those few
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days which I worked. I also hoped that maybe I will receive something.

CHAIRPERSON: At your work, did they not have any provident fund?

MAHLASELA PAUL MHLONGO: Yes, actually there was money which was being deducted for provident fund and there was a pay slip which indicated to us how much was being deducted for that fund.

CHAIRPERSON: But you didn't get any money?

MAHLASELA PAUL MHLONGO: Yes, I did not receive anything.

CHAIRPERSON: When you came out from prison where did you work then?

MAHLASELA PAUL MHLONGO: I went back to the manager and I reported that I am back and he said to me he is going to try and find me perhaps a place at Carolina and nothing happened.

CHAIRPERSON: So how have you supported yourself after that period?

MAHLASELA PAUL MHLONGO: As I have indicated earlier that I am a free-lance salesman. I am selling furniture.  But if you don't sell anything then you get 10% commission. But now it is not easy to sell furniture, because people are not employed.  It is very much irregular. Maybe at the end of the month you only find one customer. So you don't earn anything. So you can't earn anything from 500.

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you very, very much for coming.  The story what you tell us is a very sad one.  I am sorry about the fact that you didn't have a lawyer immediately after you came out of jail.  Because at least he could have taken action on your behalf. Because they must have imprisoned you and convicted you improperly.  We will investigate your matter and see how we can help you. It is a difficult story and in fact these things are still happening in our country.  NELSPRUIT HEARING TRC/MPUMALANGA
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Thank you for sharing your story with us.