A group of six White and several Black rebel army troops mounted another coup attempt on 21/22 November in Transkei, a Black ‘homeland’

A group of six White and several Black rebel army troops mounted another coup attempt on 21/22 November in Transkei, a Black 'homeland'.  The dissidents attacked the main army camp in Umtata, capital of the Transkei. The coup was allegedly intended to be bloodless, but eighteen people were reported killed in the fighting with loyal troops of Major-General Bantu Holomisa, the leader of the ruling Military Council. Among the dead was the leader of the coup, Holomisa's former second in command Colonel Craig Duli, who had helped him to seize power in a bloodless coup in 1987. Holomisa accused the South African government of having had knowledge of Duli's intention, but failed to warn him. Holomisa also alleged that members of the right-wing Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (AWB) were involved in guerrilla training near the Transkeian border. Relations between the Transkei and South Africa were strained, since Holomisa openly supported the African National Congress (ANC) and had unbanned the organisation in the Transkei. Moreover, his opposition to the homeland system and the holding of a referendum to decide on the possible reintegration into South Africa enraged the SA government. After a series of heated arguments between the governments, South African Foreign Minister, Pik Botha accused Holomisa of lying and threatened to withdraw all financial support and diplomatic recognition if Holomisa continued to link South Africa with the failed coup. Six people approached the Amnesty Commission of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to apply for amnesty in respect of conspiracy to commit treason. Sydwell Mzwamadoda Ntisana, Zandisile Edwin Bongweni, Hlumelo Ndzwanenkulu Mxutu and Thomas Mazizi Ntisana were granted amnesty, while Pumelele Gumengu and Fundekile Blackie Nombanga were denied amnesty. Click here to read about the decision of the Amnesty Commission.