The Commission calls on everyone to respect and uphold the rule of law and refrain from criminal actions, particularly when such acts are directed against vulnerable groups. The Commission is of the view that there is no justification for the incidents of looting which occurred.

Simultaneously, the Commission understands that communities have expressed their frustrations and concerns over missed economic opportunities as well as the flouting of by-laws and other legal protections which regulate businesses within communities. The Commission is also aware that communities have expressed concerns over the entry of undocumented migrants into South Africa, migrants who compete for limited financial resources such as business opportunities and employment.

The Commission thus calls on the State to address these concerns urgently as tensions, violence and the resultant looting directed against non-nationals we witnessed on Wednesday night, will not be resolved.

The Commission; in the execution of its constitutional mandate to protect, promote and monitor the attainment of human rights of all in South Africa; as set out in the Bill of Rights; stresses that human rights can only be upheld in an environment where the rule of law is respected and upheld.

The SAHRC reminds everyone that appropriate legal mechanisms exist to ensure that concerns of communities are addressed and that these should be utilised and held to account.

– Ends –

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Alucia Sekgathume Tel: 082 689 2364 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.