MR VAN DER MERWE
Thank you, I beg your pardon.   Thename is Francois Van der Merwe and I am from the firm Van derMerwe & Bester in Port Elizabeth, an attorney's firm, I aman attorney.   I have arrived here this morning, I don't knowMr Chairman what you expect of me, I wasn't present when the previousprocedures took place.   We are unfortunately, I would respectfullyrequest that the proceedings be, as far as Mr Nieuwoudt is concerned,be postponed.   We are of the opinion that the summons was servedon a very short notice on Mr Nieuwoudt.   We received
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the summons on Thursday afternoon at 15:00.   We are also notin a position to at this stage know what evidence has been ledbefore the Committee as such.   I think the principle of fairnessand equity would suffice that my client should be allowed to atleast be put in a position where he can have a look at all thedocumentation, statements and evidence that was led before theCommittee.  We are further also respectfully of the submissionthat in this instance there was a non-compliance with Section19(4) of the Act of the Truth Commission as Mr Nieuwoudt onlygot notice from the Truth Commission of this hearing simultaneouslywith the subpoena being served on him on Thursday afternoon at15:00.   
 I might just also add that we have got an undertaking which isan order of court from the Truth Commission that Mr Nieuwoudtwill be informed if any evidence should be led against him andwe have not been informed at any stage of any evidence that wasled.   This was also the source of litigation previously in theEastern Cape and I think Mr Valli(?), who is the chief legal representativeof the Truth Commission, is well aware of this court order.  Thank you Mr Chairman.