JOHANNESBURG Sept 20 1996 — Sapa

DE KOCK'S TRIAL DIVULGED MORE THAN TRUTH COMMISSION: AZAPO

The Azanian People's Organisation on Friday said revelations by convicted former Vlakplaas commander, Col Eugene de Kock, in the Pretoria Supreme Court had divulged more than the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's hearings.

Spokesman David Lethebe said the truth was revealed much cheaper through the courts than ostensible extravagance in roadshows that the TRC was involved in.

"Azapo has always maintained that the atrocities perpetrated against black people were as a result of an orchestrated and well-executed plan by those that were running the country," Lethebe said.

Functionaries like de Kock were only carrying out instructions from those who were ruling the country.

"The result of this attitude by Azapo is that all former state presidents including (F W) de Klerk are guilty of involvement in security squads' activities," Lethebe said.

The de Kock's trial vindicated Azapo's call to involve judiciary in adjudicating war crimes for an everlasting principle of reconciliation, Lethebe said.


© South African Press Association, 1996
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