Koevoet members brought to EC in 1985 ­ bush fighter

PORT ELIZABETH -- Policemen from the paramilitary Koevoet unit were moved to the Eastern Cape during the height of political upheaval in the province in 1985, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's amnesty committee heard yesterday.

The amnesty committee is hearing applications from seven policemen involved in the killing in 1985 of four activists later known as the Cradock Four.

One of the policemen, Johan Martin van Zyl, a hardened bush fighter, told the committee he had combat experience in the former Rhodesia, Namibia, Mozambique and Angola.

He said he was transferred to Port Elizabeth from the Koevoet unit in Ovamboland in early 1985. He admitted to planning and carrying out the operation to kill Matthew Goniwe, Sparrow Mkonto, Fort Calata and Secelo Mhlali in June that year.

Mr Van Zyl said he left the police in 1986 to join the SADF's special forces operating in Angola and Mozambique.

Another Koevoet officer, Major Eric Winter, was also transferred to the Eastern Cape at that time to become commander of the security police in Cradock.

Mr Van Zyl denied that Maj Winter took part in the Goniwe operation because he drank regularly and was not suitable.

However, Eugene de Kock, former Vlakplaas commander now serving life sentences for murder, claimed Mr Van Zyl told him Maj Winter was present.

De Kock, who has applied for amnesty for his part in trying to cover up the Goniwe killings, is due to testify later in the hearing.

In his statement to the committee, De Kock's account of the killing differs in many respects from Mr Van Zyl's version.

Mr Van Zyl told the committee he personally shot Mr Mkonto, who tried to overpower him while travelling in the back of a vehicle. According to De Kock, Mr Van Zyl told him he killed Mr Goniwe and not Mr Mkonto.

Under cross-examination from Mr Schalk Hugo representing De Kock, Mr Van Zyl had difficulty explaining the apparent contradictions. He said eventually that he must have lied to De Kock but could not explain why.

Mr Van Zyl, who is under a witness protection programme, said he had many enemies and feared he may be a target if ever granted amnesty.

Earlier, the committee was given documentation of high-level meetings held in the Eastern Cape to determine the future of Mr Goniwe, who enjoyed widespread support.

A State Security Council document showed that the security establishment was in a dilemma as to how to deal with the Cradock schoolteacher who had been dismissed for refusing to accept a transfer to Graaff-Reinet.

Mr Goniwe claimed the transfer was arranged to punish him for his involvement in community and political activities and refused to accept the decision.

It is clear from the documentation at the time that some officials believed Mr Goniwe's reinstatement would put an end to the unrest in the area.

Others believed he should be dealt with through the security legislation and kept in detention.