Hope Ntanzi|Published
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has condemned the killings of a police officer in Lichtenburg and a foreign national in Durban, warning that violence cannot be justified by a person’s nationality or immigration status.
According to SAHRC spokesperson Wisani Baloyi, the police officer was allegedly run over by a non-national outside Lichtenburg Mall in North West on October 19.
The suspect has been arrested and appeared in court on a murder charge and immigration-related charges.
In a separate incident, a non-national was allegedly beaten to death by protesters in Durban’s central business district on Thursday, October 22.
Baloyi said the commission was deeply concerned about both incidents and called for those responsible to be held accountable through the criminal justice system.
“No person is above the law, and no criminal act can be justified by the circumstances or nationality of the person responsible,'' he said.
Commission warns against mob violence
Baloyi said the reported killing of the foreign national in Durban represented a grave violation of the right to life and human dignity.
The commission said the circumstances required urgent investigation, accountability and justice, adding that assault was a criminal offence under South African law.
Baloyi said section 11 of the Constitution guaranteed everyone the right to life, irrespective of nationality, immigration status or country of origin.
“No individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands or to deprive another person of life,” said Baloyi.
The commission acknowledged the right of people to assemble, demonstrate and express their concerns peacefully, but stressed that these rights had to be exercised within the law.
“Disagreements about immigration, unemployment, crime or access to public services cannot justify violence against anyone,” it said.
Police urged to investigate killings
Baloyi said the commission had called on the South African Police Service to conduct thorough investigations, identify those responsible and ensure they were brought before the courts.
It also urged law enforcement authorities to take appropriate measures to prevent further violence and protect people’s lives and safety.
The commission called on the Department of Home Affairs to address illegal immigration in line with its constitutional responsibilities for managing identity, civic status and migration.
It further urged community leaders, civil society organisations and public representatives to reject violence and promote peaceful engagement, social cohesion and respect for human rights.
“The loss of a human life is an irreparable tragedy and, under these circumstances, a travesty of our Constitution,” the commission said.
Baloyi said the circumstances surrounding the Durban killing should not be obscured by broader debates about migration, reiterating that everyone was entitled to equal protection under the law.
“The Commission reiterates that the right to life is non-negotiable and that no person should face violence or death because of their nationality or perceived immigration status,” said the commission.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
IOL News