12 November 2021
The investigation by the South African Human Rights Commission into the July unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng is set to start on Monday.
The first hearings will see evidence and testimony by affected community members and civil society organisations in KZN.
The hearings are expected to move to Gauteng during the second week.
In a media briefing on Friday, the commission confirmed it has received R3 million from Treasury to probe the causes of the unrest and produce a report.
"We will be hearing evidence from victims, community, the industry. On Tuesday we will be in Phoenix and other areas affected, on Thursday we will hear from SMME's, citizens, foreign nations, and the chamber of commerce.
"First we will look at the causes of the unrest, secondly the causes of the alleged racially motivated attacks and killings following the unrest and causes of the apparent lapses in law enforcement by state security agencies, particularly the SAPS and the role of the private security companies," said commissioner André Gaum
The commission will also look closely into the socio-economic and political drivers that played a role in the unrest.
During the second week several of the police’s top brass, including National Commission Kehla Sitole as well as Police Minister Bheki Cele, are expected to appear at the commission.
Hearings will be held virtually on the commission’s social media pages and website.
Source: Jacaranda FM