The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa entrenches the right to life as a basic human right and no one can arbitrarily take the life of another person. The Commission emphasises that places of worship are sacrosanct as the Constitution protects the right to religion. Any act which seeks to desecrate a place of worship is reprehensible and an affront to our constitutional democracy. No person should be made to feel threatened or afraid at a place of worship.

The Commission commends the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) for taking swift action to launch an investigation into the matter. The Commission calls upon these law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts in ensuring that the perpetrators of this heinous and brazen act are identified and brought to book. The Commission urges the public to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies through providing any essential information that may lead to the successful arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
The Commission as an institution established in terms of Chapter 9 of the Constitution and mandated through section 184(1) (a) – (c) to protect, promote and monitor the observance of human rights in the Republic of South Africa will seek to work with its sister institution the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities and interfaith organisations to advocate for religious tolerance.

Ends
Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Gail Smith – Spokesperson Tel: 060 988 3792 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.