South Africa’s apartheid-era police minister has avoided jail, despite admitting attempted murder.

Adriaan Vlok pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of a leading black cleric in 1989. He and his former police chief were qiven suspended ten year sentences. Three other officers received lesser terms. They all admitted trying to murder anti-apartheid activist Frank Chikane, by poisoning his underwear. Chikane is now an adviser to President Thabo Mbeki. Last year Vlok washed Chikane’s feet in an act of contrition, a hugely-symbolic act in a country where the wounds of the apartheid past remain raw.

The trial was seen as a test case for apartheid-era officials who were not given an amnesty by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Vlok received an amnesty for a series of bombings. But murder or torture cases must be tried in court.

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