Amnesty Hearings — Cape Town — 1997-10-31

ANDREA JEANNETTE LANGFORD: I will.  
	"The Heidelberg Tavern attack, amnesty applications.  
	We understand the need for unity and reconciliation in our 
new nation and that the conflicts and divisions of the past 
must at some stage be put behind us in order to achieve the 
aim of the amnesty process.
	We also understand that in order to attempt this difficult 
journey, the Amnesty Committee ought to have as complete a 
picture as possible of the causes, nature and extent of the 
gross violations of human rights, which in our case relates to 
the senseless killings of, and injuries to our sons and 
daughters.
	We have heard that full disclosure of all relevant facts relating 
to the Heidelberg attack is one of the requirements for 
amnesty.  This necessarily implies that the truth be told.  We, 
as the survivors of this gross violation of human rights, are 
deeply concerned by the nature and conduct of these 
proceedings thus far.
	Whilst not understanding the finer points of the law, it seems 
unfair to us that the Chairman is in open hearing remarked as 
follows-
	Sibaya's evidence was irrelevant to these amnesty 
applications.   The kombi must also have been drunk.  He, 
Sibaya, probably also knew the name of the name of the sheep, 
when he was attempting to answer questions about how he 
could remember certain details.
	The reaction of laughter at Sibaya's expense that these 
remarks evolved from the legal representatives of the 
applicants, Dumisa Ntsebeza, and the supporters, we feel 
detracts from the serious nature of the amnesty process and 
makes light of evidence which we believe is important in 
searching for the truth.
	Such remarks also fail to take into account our pain and our 
grief.  It is out of place to listen to these remarks in the same 
process as the evidence of the killings of our loved ones.  
	We are under the impression from the proceedings thus far, 
that the legal representatives are constrained to represent the 
minimum facts required to satisfy those requirements for 
amnesty.
	We are all of the view that the proper and full disclosure of 
the facts, has not been made.  
	We are also concerned about the manner in which Mr 
Cerqueira was cross-examined, which was in our minds, unfair 
and insensitive to his grief and loss.
	We as survivors demand the right to be treated with dignity 
and sensitivity if these proceedings are to mean anything at 
all.  
	Finally, we are present disillusioned about the process we 
have seen thus far, and must ask the question whether the 
amnesty process is simply part of the political solution 
whereby perpetrators of gross violations of human rights will 
be granted amnesty as a reward for their loyalty to their 
masters. 
	We invite the Committee to address our fears and concerns in 
this matter".
And we have all signed this.

MR PRIOR: Thank you Mrs Langford.  Mrs Langford, you've also 
made submissions in respect of the death of your daughter, 
Bernadette, is that correct?

ANDREA JEANNETTE LANGFORD: That is correct, yes.

MR PRIOR: Mr Chairman, may I refer the Committee to item 5 on 
the submissions by victims, the Bundle that was prepared and handed 
to you, which appears on page 61 to 67.
	Your daughter, Bernadette, she was at the time of her death, 
was she still a student at the University?

ANDREA JEANNETTE LANGFORD: No, she had just received her degree three 
weeks before her death.

MR PRIOR: Had she gained employment or had she taken up 
employment at that stage?

ANDREA JEANNETTE LANGFORD: She was busy with a temporary job at Edgars, 
Adderley Street, while waiting for replies for her application for a 
teaching post.

MR PRIOR: Was she in any way connected with the military or the 
Security Forces at the time?

ANDREA JEANNETTE LANGFORD: No, no.

MR PRIOR: Mrs Langford, you have prepared a submission, have 
you not?

ANDREA JEANNETTE LANGFORD: That is correct.

MR PRIOR: And do you wish those submissions, which are 
unsigned, to form part of your evidence?

ANDREA JEANNETTE LANGFORD: That is right.

MR PRIOR: Could you please look at page 62 and could you tell 
the Committee, what kind of person Bernadette was.

ANDREA JEANNETTE LANGFORD: Page 62?

MR PRIOR: I beg your pardon, I am referring to our Bundle.  You 
have your single copy in front of you.

ANDREA JEANNETTE LANGFORD: Yes.  Shall I begin at "Who Bernadette 
Langford was"?

MR PRIOR: Yes, please proceed.

ANDREA JEANNETTE LANGFORD: Right, thank you.  
	"Who was Bernadette Langford before?  A talented young 
lady on the brink of her career.  The eldest daughter of 
Andrea Langford, sister to three sisters and a brother, loved 
by her family, friends and all who were privileged to know 
her.
	On the 9th of December 1993, she had received her higher 
diploma in Education post graduate for secondary education.  
She completed the prescribed course in the following teaching 
subjects  Art, school counselling and guidance.  She could 
also teach through the medium of Afrikaans higher and 
English higher.
	Since the very young age of seven, she was capable of 
attaining the goals she reached for, such as ballet with 
honours and scripture exams with distinction.  Besides her 
school studies, which later included drama, this pattern was 
pursued while at University.  Her first three years were at 
Rhodes University where she received her BA degree in fine 
art and psychology.
	And at the same time, she was a keen sportswoman.  That was 
in volley ball.  She also completed an advance course in 
deportment, beauty rooting, fashion and photographic 
modelling.  She had also done a St John's ambulance course.  
Bernadette had one desire, and that was to enrich our society 
with her abilities.
	She had a great love for children and a compassion for the 
misunderstood.  She was working on a casual basis at Edgars, 
Adderley Street, while waiting for a reply from her 
applications for a teaching post.
	She undertook to care for the family and had plans to support 
her brother's education.  She had hopes of raising a family of 
her own one day.  
	The incident.  On the 30th of December 1993, Bernadette's 
friends decided to stop at the Heidelberg Tavern in 
Observatory for eats and while there, she was gunned down 
with automatic gun fire, according to reports.
	Extent of injuries.  During the early hours of the 31st of 
December 1993, Bernadette had lost her life.  She, who 
showed mercy to others, was not given that chance.   An 
innocent human being".  
I approve of the statements made and the copies, I can give to you.

MR PRIOR: Yes, that is not necessary at this stage, they will be 
handed in Mrs Langford.  Please continue.  Are you able to continue 
at this stage?

ANDREA JEANNETTE LANGFORD: Yes, I can, thank you.

MR PRIOR: Thank you.