The Commission is in receipt of various complaints pertaining to the plight of Abahlali baseMjondolo. The AbM movement advocates for the rights of people living in shacks including access to decent housing, services, and education. It is reported that over 24 members or supporters of the AbM have been killed over the past 14 years. Only two convictions have been secured by the authorities in connection with the killings, many of these assassinations takes place in informal settlements where the movement operates.

Having assessed the complaints and various recommendations made by civil organisations on behalf of the AbM, the Commission is of the view that a high-level strategic intervention is necessary to alleviate the plight of AbM. It is against this backdrop that the Commission has written to the President to seek the intervention of the Crime Prevention and Security Cluster to among others investigate the assassinations of the members of AbM, failure by the police to apprehend assassins, delay in prosecuting matters that are currently before the criminal courts, the allege role of politicians.

The Commission will continue to monitor this matter, and the plight of members of the Abahlali baseMjondolo.

Ends.

For further information contact SAHRC KZN Acting Provincial Manager, Ms. Pavershree Padayachee on Tel: 031 304 7323 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.