HOW DID THE AMNESTY COMMITTEE OF THE TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION (TRC) DEAL WITH THE DEATH OF BANTU STEPHEN BIKO? 2.1 Refer to Source 2A - NSC History - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 2

Reconciliation refers to the process of bringing together victims and perpetrators to promote forgiveness and healing for political crimes committed during the apartheid era.

Herwitz's claim highlights the perceived bias in the TRC's composition, suggesting that the majority of commissioners were aligned with political parties, which may have influenced the impartiality of the hearings.

The TRC hearings provided a platform for victims to share their experiences, thereby validating their suffering and fostering a collective national memory, which is crucial for healing and moving forward.

More than one national perpetrator received amnesty because they made full disclosures regarding their actions, meeting the requirements set out by the TRC.

The security policemen applied for amnesty to avoid prosecution for their involvement in the murder of Biko.

1. Major Harold Synam
2. Captain Daniel Siebert
3. Warrant Officer Johan Beneke
4. Warrant Officer Rubin Marx

George Bizos opposed the amnesty application because he believed that the security policemen had not made a full disclosure of their involvement and were attempting to evade accountability.

The four security policemen were refused amnesty because they failed to provide full disclosure regarding the circumstances surrounding Biko's death.

This source is useful as it provides specific details about the individuals involved and the reasons behind the amnesty decisions, serving as a crucial reference for understanding the TRC's processes.

Both sources emphasize the refusal of amnesty based on the lack of full disclosure by the security policemen, illustrating a consistent narrative regarding the TRC's standards for granting amnesty.

The cartoon conveys the difficulties faced in uncovering the truth about Biko's murder. It shows Bizos employing detective-like methods, indicating a persistent search for justice.

The title suggests ongoing efforts to investigate Biko's death, highlighting the lasting impact of his case and the continued call for accountability.

The TRC focused on the perspectives of perpetrators rather than the victims, as evidenced in the hearings and applications for amnesty. The committee sought full disclosures from those involved in Biko's death, rejecting applications where this was not met. Bizos advocated for the truth on behalf of Biko's family, demonstrating the complexity and depth of the investigations. Ultimately, the TRC's handling of Biko's case reflected larger themes of justice, accountability, and the struggle for historical truth.