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Media Advisory: The SAHRC’s Eastern Cape continues with its Inquiry into the Walter Sisulu University Protest

Attention: Editors and Reporters
Monday, 04 November 2024

In May 2024, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/the Commission) in the Eastern Cape Provincial Office (ECPO), was alerted through various media publications to an incident during a protest at Walter Sisulu University (WSU). In this incident, nine (9) students were injured by rubber bullets allegedly fired by the South African Police Services (SAPS) and security personnel. Some reports indicated the use of live ammunition to disperse the crowds. These reports alleged that the crowd management methods employed were excessive and fll outside of the prescripts of the empowering legislation.

In response to allegations of excessive use of force and in alignment with its mandate to protect individual rights, the Commission resolved to investigate these allegations in the form of an Inquiry to assess the lawfulness of the force utilised and its impact on human rights. The Inquiry commenced on 13-14 August 2024, during which a range of evidence was presented before the panel. However, key stakeholders, including the SAPS, Department of Health (DOH), WSU, and representatives from the taxi industry did not submit their evidence. These stakeholders will be provided an opportunity to submit their evidence. This is in line with Section 15 of the South African Human Rights Act 40 of 2013, empowered by Section 184 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

Special consideration will continue to be given to Section 17 of the Constitution, which ensures that everyone has the right to peacefully assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions. The Inquiry will also investigate whether the actions of the relevant law enforcement officials and security personnel were in line with legislative and policy frameworks, particularly the National Instruction 4 of 2014 which guidance on crowd management during public gatherings and demonstrations.

Through this intervention, the Commission aims to hold to account the relevant implementing stakeholders who are alleged to have employed excessive crowd management methods which fall outside of the prescripts of the empowering legislation and give effect to the principles and values that underpin our constitutional dispensation. This includes emphasizing the protection, promotion, and realisation of the rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

The inquiry will be held as follows and will be LIVESTREAMED on our YouTube Channel:

 - Ends –

For further information, contact the SAHRC Provincial Manager, Dr Eileen Carter @ 043 722 7828/072 638 9016 or email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Advocacy and Research Officer, Zukiswa N Mqakanya @ 067 333 6623/063 301 3773 for WhatsApp or email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

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