SAHRC worried by ‘slow’ justice for unrest victims
The South African Human Rights Commission says it's exploring legal options to convene public inquests into the July 2021 unrest deaths.
At least 36 people were killed in Phoenix, north of Durban, in what the commission's investigations found were racially motivated attacks against black people.
Twelve unrest-related criminal matters have been heard at the Verulam Magistrates Court.
The commission attended one unresolved murder case on Thursday.
It says it remains concerned that six inquests related to the Phoenix deaths were conducted informally without public hearings.
READ: SAHRC urges more action against inequality on Freedom Day
Spokesperson Wisani Baloyi says the scale of the violence requires greater transparency and accountability.
"The South African Human Rights Commission remains deeply concerned by the slow pace of justice. The commission is actively considering its legal options to request the judiciary to convene formal inquests.
“ The commission calls on the National Prosecution Authority and all branches of government to commit to restoring public confidence by ensuring that the truth surrounding the event that occurred is uncovered through public legal processes."
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