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Security Cluster ministers, other leaders to appear before SAHRC investigative hearing into July unrest

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Police, Defence, Justice and State Security ministers are some of the state leaders set to appear before the South African Human Rights Commission’s national investigation hearing into the 2021 July unrests.

The hearings will commence virtually on Monday over three weeks at a cost of R3 million.

At least 350 people died when violence erupted in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces shortly after President Jacob Zuma started serving a 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court on July 8.

Major highways were blocked and about 20 trucks on the N3 highway were burnt, leading to the attack and looting of major retailer warehouses and factories which were set alight.

State of South Africa’s security following looting and unrest:

The unrest which lasted for a week claimed at least 350 lives. The hearings will investigate the causes and impact of the unrests on human rights, as well as incidents of race-based tensions.

SAHRC Andre Gaum says, “One of the key areas of focus of the SAHRC during its national investigation hearing into the July 2021 unrest, would be the numerous incidents of race-based tensions as well as violence perpetrated between groups based on race. In the context of the SAHRC being constitutionally mandated to protect, promote and monitor the attainment in respect of rights such as equality, it is essential for the commission to investigate the causes of the alleged racially motivated attacks and killings in the country during events that unfolded from the 8th -19th July 2021.”

Section 184(2) of the Constitution empowers the Commission to investigate issues surrounding human rights and to take steps to secure appropriate redress.

“We will also have a legal team of evidence leaders that will actually lead the evidence before the panel. They will further be assisted by researchers academics and so forth. The panel will also be assisted by a senior advocate.

The first two weeks of the hearing will be in KwaZulu-Natal while the rest will take place in Gauteng.

A report will be made public afterwards.

Effects of July unrest in KZN will be felt for many years to come: Business community

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