Human Rights Violation Hearings — Piet Retief — 1997-05-21

ROSE MAGUDULELA: When I left Javo I noticed that it was so quiet, there was no one approaching or no life at all.  I went to the back and I saw at the back that there was a jacket and lo and behold, my husband was also there, and i tried to open the door.  The police refused that I should open the door and told me that he is also dead. We were there for quire some time until the police came and we got into their van and a policeman by the name of Taylor took us to Javu's sister's husband and we reported the whole matter to him as well and  we went to my sister's, the family at large to inform them what had transpired.
 We went back home and we were there with Javo. We went to Javo's house because I was really scared and wanted to be with Javo, until the following morning when the word spread around and our friends as well got to know what had happened.
 After some time in 1994 if my memory serves me right, Mike got shot at Pongola and Ruth(?) Gamede who was a mayor at Piet Retief came to me and told me that the person who shot Mike Gamede was found and how would it be because myself and Javo saw that person who came to the house and got our husbands.  How would it be if I go to Pongola and see if I can recognise the person.  The date Gamede gave me, I wasn't free to go on that day because there were rumours in Thandukukhanya that it might happen that Gamede was killed by Magudelela and I was scared and not free to be with Gamede around.  I even thought that he was planning to kill me as well. I was very uncomfortable and I decided that I should go to take a look at this person. 
 After giving birth, that was in 1994 I already had a child because I gave birth in November '93, now it was February '94, when I got to Pongola and I left my child with my mother, I didn't tell my mother where I was headed.  It was my first time getting inside a court of law.  I didn't know, I had no ideas what was happening in the court and I saw him, I saw using certain machines, equipment.  I saw that very boy and I couldn't believe it and I said maybe he's the one in the witness stand who is the one in question.  I looked around for Gamede so that I could sit next to him and I did so. As I took a thorough look at the witness stand I realised that's not the boy I saw in the past. Gamede kept asking me if he's the boy who I saw but when I turned and looked at the back I saw this boy sitting right behind me.  I said to Gamede, quickly, and that was the time of the tea break and the magistrate was about to get off, and I told Gamede,...(indistinct) and I, that this is the guy sitting behind us.  And when we stood up the boy came and stood right next to me and looked at me. They said I mustn't be afraid because I'm an IFP.  
 Gamede went to report to the police that we have located the boy and identified him. He said and confessed to me that he also planned to kill me and Javo.  I thank the fact that he wasn't able to do that.

THOMAS MANTHATA: Yes Rose it is a long sad story but please be patient and continue.

ROSE MAGUDULELA: It took long before the case was conducted because the guy didn't admit that he was the one who killed but I saw some time he admitted and was arrested. He was working with another one and both of them were arrested.  I don't quite remember the date but there was a Truth Commission hearing in Nelspruit and we went there - it was the 6th of May. They were the as well, the ones who were convicted and the one that I pointed at admitted that he is the one who killed Magudulela.
 I don't know today where he is. He was applying for amnesty as well.

THOMAS MANTHATA: Rose thank you for this painful recital.  Theresa have you made a statement?

THERESA MALINGA: Yes I did submit a statement.

CHAIRPERSON: Theresa I'm going to give you the opportunity also to talk.  You have made a statement, so if you'll just stand I will swear you in.

THERESA MALINGA: (sworn states)

THOMAS MANTHATA: Theresa I could see how painful Rose's recital has been to you.  I could see you weeping as she was talking.  Can you please add just what you know with regard to the death of you husband?