Human Rights Violation Hearings — Soweto — 1996-07-26

MS MKHIZE: Was it for the first time that you personally came into conflict with the police?

MR MOKHEMISA: No, it was not the first time.  The other time it was during the march and the march was illegal and the police stormed in and I managed to escape.

MS MKHIZE: Can you remember any of the names of the police that you know who directly assaulted yuo?

MR MOKHEMISA: Unfortunately not, because there were White policemen, but what I could say is that the person who was in charge of the whole situation was Sgt Nkosi.

MS MKHIZE: Do you know where is he based now, that Sgt Nkosi, in which police station?

MR MOKHEMISA: Yes, ma'am, it is in Carletonville police station.

MS MKHIZE: Often when people approach the Commission they have specific needs in mind.  Can you just tell us the kind of thing that you hope to achieve by coming to the
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Commission?

MR MOKHEMISA: Yes.  Ma'am, I tried hard to go to school and I managed to finish my matric.  So presently I am unemployed and every time I go looking for a job - I have been turned down because of my first impression.  So I can't make a living, it really hurts.  And I did perform well at school always.  My mental position is no longer stable.  So if I could at least establish how weak is my mind, I can be very grateful. Thank you.

MS MKHIZE: If yuo say you are often turned down because of your first impression, can you just explain briefly to us what is it that make people turn down immediately when they see you?

MR MOKHEMISA: I think maybe that is the scar I am carrying.

MS MKHIZE: You also referred to a mental position, mental state which you suppose is no longer stable.  What do you do which makes you doubt your mind?

CHAIRPERSON: Sorry.  Could we ask that people remain quiet, these hearings are for the purpose of victims and to allow them to tell their stories.  So could we please have respect for the witnesses?

MR MOKHEMISA: Thank you. I am having a problem with my recall system and my recording capacity in my mind. I can't recall properly.  When I concentrate I can't concentrate properly.

MS MKHIZE: Tell me, how do you link that up with what happened?

MR MOKHEMISA: Ma'am, when I was beaten I lose my consciousness and especially this injury I obtained on my right-hand side, it appeared to be an internal injury and I can still some pain right now.
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MS MKHIZE: Have you ever been checked by medical doctors and neurologists in particular?

MR MOKHEMISA: No.

MS MKHIZE: Thank you very much for sharing with us your story.  I will ask the Chairperson to take over.

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you.  Hugh?  Thank you, Mr Mokhemisa, thank you for sharing your story with us.  The request that you have made are in fact very simple ones.  You have asked that you want to know what your state of mind actually is.  The Commission has taken note of that.  We are sad that you are not able to find employment because of the scar on your face. We also take note of the fact that you are still undergoing a considerable amount of trauma, and we hope that we will be able to assist you in that regard.  Thank you very much for coming to share your story with us.

MR MOKHEMISA: Thanks ma'am.
APPLAUSE
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