19th May 2015
The South African Human Rights Commission is in the final stages of collating information in respect of the high number of complaints it has received relating to the recent violent attacks in the KZN province earlier this year. The probing of these complaints forms part of the Commissions broader investigation into the root causes of the attacks on non-nationals in the country. A comprehensive understanding of the root causes is vital in eradicating the recurrence of similar human rights violations in the future.
The complaints are being dealt with in terms of the Commission’s Complaints Handling Procedures which dictate that we consult with complainants and respondents during the course of the investigations. Meetings with complainants in Gauteng, many of which related to the alleged comments by King Goodwill Zwelithini, took place on Friday. An SAHRC mission headed by the Chairperson of the Commission, Adv Mushwana and Commissioner Lindiwe Mokate, to meet with complainants in Kwa Zulu Natal and with the Advisors of King Goodwill Zwelithini was concluded today.
The office of the King has agreed to fully cooperate with the Commission in the course of its investigation and will provide its responses to the preliminary probe by the Commission at a date agreed to by them and the Commission.
The Commission intends to make a preliminary determination on the course of its investigations by mid June 2015.
ENDS
Isaac Mangena
Spokesperson
071 884 8273