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Media Statement: SAHRC Condemns the Violent and Abusive Behaviour by BLF at its Gauteng Office in the strongest terms
Attention Editors and Reporters
17th September 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) condemns, in the strongest terms, the actions by Black First Land First (BLF) members, who today, on the 17th September 2018, caused a violent disturbance at the SAHRC’s Gauteng Office at Braampark, Braamfontein in Johannesburg. A pair of spectacles were also violently taken from the CEO’s face and was only returned after some time. The Commission had to call the South African Police Service (SAPS) to intervene. However, the BLF members had left the premises before the SAPS’s arrival.
17th September 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) condemns, in the strongest terms, the actions by Black First Land First (BLF) members, who today, on the 17th September 2018, caused a violent disturbance at the SAHRC’s Gauteng Office at Braampark, Braamfontein in Johannesburg. A pair of spectacles were also violently taken from the CEO’s face and was only returned after some time. The Commission had to call the South African Police Service (SAPS) to intervene. However, the BLF members had left the premises before the SAPS’s arrival.
BLF was on the premises as the Equality Court had referred a settlement negotiation, arising out of a complaint lodged by a member of the public. The allegation against BLF, was that they had contravened section 10 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000 (PEPUDA or the Equality Act, Act No. 4 of 2000). BLF began insulting the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, along with staff of the Commission and when requested to leave the premises began to hurl abuse and act violently.
The Commission, in light of the Common Law and the Act, will lodge criminal charges against the members of the BLF who shoved, pushed and struck staff of the Commission with an open hand.
The Commission wishes to highlight the fact that in terms of section 4(3) read in conjunction with section 22 of the South African Human Rights Commission Act 40 of 2013 (the Act), it is a criminal offence for any person to interfere, hinder or obstruct the Commission or a member of staff in its functions.
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.
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The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.
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