This Day in History: January 11, 1999
Additional Date: January 11, 1999
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission refused amnesty to the notorious former police officer Gideon Nieuwoudt, for his role in the death of Steve Biko in 1977. In a seven page decision of the Amnesty Committee chairman Ronnie Pillay stated that Nieuwoudt had failed to demonstrate a political motivation for his actions, a requirement for amnesty. Nieuwoudt was one of five former security policemen who applied for amnesty in connection with Biko's death.