The rights to life, freedom and security of the person, equality and dignity are cornerstones of our constitutional democracy and thus hold a pre-eminent space in terms of the spectrum of rights. The Commission thus views any threats to any of these rights in an extremely serious light.

The SAHRC thus confirms that it is investigating a complaint it received in regard social media utterances glorifying farm murders, utterances which are directed against persons based on their race.

The Commission views the incitement or call for violence directed against persons on the basis of their race or any other prohibited basis as listed in the Constitution and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000 (PEPUDA), in an extremely serious light and is investigating the matter.

For social cohesion to thrive within South Africa, the safety and freedoms of all South Africans need to be guaranteed and thus the State, particularly the South African Police Service (SAPS) needs to ensure the safety of all within South Africa from the scourge of crime – including crimes committed on farms.

However, accompanying racism and utterances directed at glorifying these horrific crimes, especially those directed at  particular groups on the basis of race, should have no place within South Africa.

– Ends –

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

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