Ngcuka's final hurdle
2003-12-08 08:38
Mandy Rossouw and Enrico Claassen
Bloemfontein - Final testimony that might prove that Bulelani Ngcuka was an apartheid spy will be heard by the Hefer Commission of Inquiry this week.
On Monday, Judge Joos Hefer will hear evidence of Bernie Ley, former member of the intelligence police and Koevoet, about the alleged lifting of restrictions on the passport of Ngcuka, the director of the national directorate of public prosecutions.
The evidence of Gideon Nieuwoudt, the police officer responsible for several murders, including that of Steve Biko in the Eastern Cape during the apartheid era, will be heard on Tuesday.
Ley and Nieuwoudt took part in an e.tv programme in August during which they revealed their role in organising the lifting of Ngcuka's passport restrictions.
Mac Maharaj, former transport minister, and Mo Shaik, former African National Congress intelligence operator, alleged that the restrictions was lifted because Ngcuka acted as a spy for the former security police.
Shaik earlier testified that he paid Nieuwoudt R40 000 to appear on the programme, but insisted the money was used to cover Nieuwoudt's costs.
According to transcripts of the television programme, Nieuwoudt requested Ley to organise the passport and the lifting of restrictions.
Testimony before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission showed that victims regarded Nieuwoudt as one of the most notorious police officers of the apartheid era. He was refused amnesty.
The national prosecuting authority has confirmed that Nieuwoudt's participation in the murder of the Pebco Three during the apartheid years is being investigated.