Limindlela (G 8)

Name: Limindlela

It was on the 14th of June when a State of Emergency was declared in 1986. It was during morning at about eight o' clock when I left the hostel where I reside. On my way to Limindlela Station to board a train so that I could find work in town. I was still wearing the same t-shirt inscribed UDF, but it was covered by the shirt that I was wearing on top. There was a pin with UDF letters that I had on my shirt. There was a place before I reached the station where people sold a lot of things. Then I saw this three or five Hippos. Then afterwards it never struck my mind to remove this UDF badge. As I passed by they did not recognise me, but later they recognised it, but as I entered Limindlela Station while standing on the platform, we were still waiting for the train so that we can board the train. Whilst I was waiting there these Hippos arrived. So we were told to write registration numbers of these Hippos and their numbers. So I did that immediately when I recognised them.

When I entered the platform the train has not, had not yet arrived. They had guns, these soldiers, as they entered into the platform. Some of them went up and down. Then they could not see me. On their way back I folded my arms whilst standing. One of them recognised me and said here he is. After that I did not wait any minute. I tried to

PRETORIA HEARING TRC/GAUTENG



6 M K MABUSELA

run, but I was kicked, tried to block, but I was kicked multiple times. I was hit with a gun-butt until they pulled me from the platform because people were aware of what was happening. I was kicked multiple times also. Sometimes I would wave and they would hit each other. Then when they stand up again they would take out their anger on me. Until now I could feel a little bit unconscious. They took off my t-shirt and then started tearing it up. Someone dressed it up and then they left me there bleeding.

When I woke up I went to the police station. It was at about ten o' clock to half past ten. I can say between ten and half past ten that morning. When I got to the police station I found a black policeman who is Sepedi speaking. He was a Warrant Officer, but I do not remember his name. I said to him I am here to lodge a case against soldiers who beat me up. I was still bleeding at that time. When I said that he said that I was mad, how dare you open a case against the Government. After telling me that I am mad, I cannot lodge a complaint against the Government, I told him I had the registration of the vehicles that these people were travelling in. He said to me you are mad and I said how can you refuse to accept my case, why are you doing that. He asked me are you going to sue me and he said to them, lock this man up. They took me and locked me up.

http://www.justice.gov.za/trc/hrvtrans/pretoria/mabusela.htm

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