Two organisations, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission), are set to unveil their findings regarding the 2021 civil unrest.
The investigations, conducted in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, followed incidents that resulted in over 350 casualties and extensive damage to businesses and shopping centres.
The unrest, marked by looting and violence, prompted a comprehensive examination by various bodies, including a committee appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The latter’s report highlighted state structure failures in preventing and containing the unrest.
Despite ongoing investigations, the orchestrators behind the events remain unidentified.
While 63 arrests have been made in connection with crimes related to the civil unrest, only a few convictions have been secured. Recent cases include the sentencing of Mbuso Moloi, known as the “Woolworths looter,” to 18 months of correctional supervision and community service.
Another case involved the brothers Dylan and Ned Govender, who were convicted of attempted murder and common assault in a racially motivated attack in Phoenix.
The release of findings by the SAHRC and the CRL Rights Commission is anticipated to shed light on the broader context and consequences of the 2021 civil unrest.
TIMELINE: The July Unrest that left the country crippled:
