Amnesty Hearings — Johannesburg — 1998-09-15

MOLALO EDWARD NELUSHI: I'm actually in the detective department, but not very active duties like before.  What I usually do is most of the inside office and supply maybe knowledge to the newly appointed members of the detective unit, if I should call it that.

CHAIRPERSON: Is that as a result of the injuries and the consequences of the injuries?

MOLALO EDWARD NELUSHI: Ja, that's correct.  Since I got shot I never was involved in any active duties again, because I actually couldn't stand on my right foot for over maybe two/three minutes without changing positions.  I cannot run like I used to.  I cannot play soccer, I used to play soccer before.  I used to get involved in a lot of sports things, but I cannot due to the injuries, I cannot do that any longer.  And I am actually only an office man for now.  And that is actually permanent because it is also stated in my medical reports that I won't be able to do what I used to do before the 28th of May 1993.

CHAIRPERSON: Do you have any dependants?

MOLALO EDWARD NELUSHI: Yes, I do.  I'm actually a sole breadwinner in my family.  We are six in my family.  I'm the eldest of the boys and I've got my mother who's a widow.  I have two younger brothers and I have three older sisters and I've got two children.  The abovementioned are all dependant on me.

CHAIRPERSON: What are their ages and the sex of the children?  Are they boys or girls?

MOLALO EDWARD NELUSHI: My two children are boys.  The oldest is 10 and the youngest is 3.

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you very much.  Mr Mbandazayo, questions?

MR MBANDAZAYO: Mr Chairman, I have no questions, except I just want just to say something to him, to the victim on behalf of the applicant.  Mr Nelushi, I know that you spoke to Mr Dolo yesterday and I also spoke to you, but I want to say that on my behalf and also on his behalf again to say that we sympathise with what you went through during that day and what you are still suffering from, and as you also correctly put it, that he did not know you and he had nothing personal against you.  And on those words I want to say that we appreciate your remarks regarding the whole incident and your understanding of the circumstances under which it happened.  Thank you, Mr Chairman.

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you very much.  Any questions?  Mr Lax?

MR LAX: Just a comment, Chairperson.  That as Mr Mbandazayo has said, we find your understanding of the circumstances incredibly heartening and we think very positive for the promotion of reconciliation in this country, and we want to thank you for your strength and the character that you've shown here, and for your bravery in coming forward and speaking here.  Thank you for coming.

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you.  Mr Mapoma, is there anything else?

MR MAPOMA: That is the evidence.

CHAIRPERSON: Thank you, Mr Nelushi.  Mr Mbandazayo, are you ready to address us?

MR MBANDAZAYO: Yes, Mr Chairman, I'm ready.  Mr Chairman, I ...(intervention)

CHAIRPERSON: Yes, I'm sorry.  Of course, Mr Nelushi, you're excused from where you are.  Of course you're free to be present if you wish, but you are excused from further testimony.
WITNESS EXCUSED

CHAIRPERSON: All right, Mr Mbandazayo?