Human Rights Violation Hearings — Empangeni — 1996-11-06

MRS GCABASHE:  Now, according to your own observation, will she be able to work for herself, maintain herself or go back to school?

WITNESS:   She will not be able to use the left hand, because the fingers are missing and she can't use the left hand.   What about the right hand?   ---   The right hand she can use it to write and use it to do other chores.

MRS GCABASHE: Thank you.

CHAIRPERSON: Mrs Shandu, the stories that we have heard today in Empangeni, they simply just get worse and worse each time, and we are really lost for words as to know what to say to you.  As I said earlier today, the people who did things like this - the people who did things like this to your family, they have lost their humanity and they only deserve to spend the rest of their lives behind bars.  They have no right, I believe, to walk free in our society.  The case isn't complete yet and we hope that the law will take its course and that these people will be locked up.  That won't bring your family back to you, but it may make it a little easier for you to accept and to live with the knowledge that they are in prison and they are suffering as well.  So we thank you very much for having the courage to come in here and speak here on behalf of those members of your family that are still alive and, of course, those members of your family who died.  Your story is very important.  Many people remember this massacre at Gobandhlovu and because you have come forward and told us about it, it will go into the report that we have to write up and give to the State President and to the Government.  So thank you very much for coming in and telling us your story.
/CHAIRMAN
6A/0

CHAIRPERSON: Good after Mr Mchunu.  We welcome you today.  Thank you for being so patient and waiting all afternoon to give your story.  You have come to tell us about the brutal attack on you by members of the IFP when you were living in Sokhulu.  Can you stand, please, to take the oath before you tell us your story.

UNKNOWN: (Sworn states) (Through Interpreter)

CHAIRPERSON: Mr Mchunu, you are sitting here with someone else.  Is that your wife?

WITNESS:   That's my wife.

CHAIRPERSON:  And is that your baby?

WITNESS:   Yes, that's my baby.

CHAIRPERSON:  We welcome them here today too.  Is she going to speak or is she here just to support you?

WITNESS:   She might say something where it's necessary.  I think there is a portion where she will say something.

CHAIRPERSON: Okay, then she doesn't have to stand up, because she has a baby.  If she can just confirm - what your full name, please.

UNKNOWN: (Sworn states) (Through Interpreter)

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you very much.  Do you have any other children, Mr Mchunu?  How many other children have you got?

WITNESS:   I do.

CHAIRPERSON:  How many?

WITNESS:   I have four in my marriage and I have one outside my marriage.

CHAIRPERSON:  I see, right.  And where are you living now?

WITNESS:  Sokhulu.

CHAIRPERSON:  You are still staying in Sokhulu.  Are you working?

WITNESS:   No, I'm not.

CHAIRPERSON:  Now, at the time of this attack on you, when was that?  What year was it?  In your statement you haven't given a date.

WITNESS:   1991.

CHAIRPERSON:  And at that time were you working at RBM, at Richards Bay Minerals?

WITNESS:   Yes, I was.

CHAIRPERSON:  Okay, can you then tell us in your own words, tell us what happened to you on that date in 1991, and if you want to refer to those documents, just tell us what they are.