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Disparate groups of protesters in Senekal on Friday.
- The SAHRC wants to act as a mediator in Senekal.
- They intend to bring together the political parties.
- SAHRC Commissioner Chris Nissen said: “The commission is very concerned that food safety custodians are under attack.”
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) wants to act as a mediator and bring different parties together in Senekal, the SAHRC told the justice portfolio committee. The area has been a focus of violence since a farm manager was allegedly killed, and farmers attacked during an earlier appearance.
The committee had its virtual meeting with the SAHRC on Friday morning, as tension reigned in Senekal, where the two men accused of 21-year-old farm manager Brendin Horner appeared in local magistrates court for their bail hearing.
On Thursday, the SAHRC issued a statement, calling for calm.
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“The Commission demands that the constitutional right to protest be exercised within the scope of the Constitution and the law. Therefore, all participants in the protest action must exercise this right unarmed and peacefully,” the statement read.
“The Commission insists that rising tensions based on race and social status do not benefit the social cohesion on which South Africa’s peace and stability depend.
“The drive to confront the potential for violence, property damage and even threats to life accentuates the polarization that runs counter to the promotion of South Africa as a constitutional democracy where all are free, equal and treated with dignity.
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“We should all work to ensure reconciliation between farm dwellers and farmers, farmers and SAPS and restore trust in law enforcement agencies.
Therefore, the Commission calls for peace and that the communities allow the justice system and legal processes to run unhindered.
“A peaceful and prosperous nation depends on an efficient justice system, which operates independently of the sentiments of the community. Violence and property damage will not help to bring justice on behalf of Mr. Horner or anyone else there. lost his life to the crime. “
Disputed
DA Werner Horn said that although the SAHRC’s impartiality has been questioned in the past, its release in Senekal “showed the kind of impartiality and an appreciation of all the emotions and the different factors at play in a very complex situation.”
SAHRC Commissioner Chris Nissen said three commissioners, himself, André Gaum and Jonas Sibanyoni, will visit Senekal to see possible interventions. They will play a mediating role and seek to unite political parties.
“Of course, the commission says that one murder is one murder too many,” Nissen said.
“The commission is very concerned that food security guards are under attack.”
He also mentioned the high murder rate in the Cape Flats due to gang violence.
“We are saying that we live in a very dysfunctional society.” He said that while they welcome the police’s rural security strategy, it needs to be improved.
Sibanyoni said the SAHRC “has realized that the problem of attacks on farms is increasing.” He said that they intend to have a webinar and are currently identifying participants for this.
