The SA Human Rights Commission has condemned alleged attacks on foreign nationals in KwaZulu-Natal.
Image: File
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has condemned alleged recent violent attacks targeting foreign nationals, warning that such incidents threaten South Africa’s constitutional values and social cohesion.
In a statement, the commission said it was “deeply alarmed” by reports and circulating footage of violence in parts of the country, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
“The incidents threaten South Africa’s constitutional values of ubuntu, dignity, equality, and the rule of law, as well as social cohesion,” the commission said.
The SAHRC stressed that while communities have the right to protest and raise grievances, actions must remain peaceful and lawful.
“Violence, intimidation, hate speech, looting, and property destruction are unacceptable and constitute serious human rights violations and criminal conduct,” it said.
The commission called on the Minister of Police and relevant government departments to intervene urgently to contain the violence in KwaZulu-Natal and implement preventative measures in other provinces.
It also warned against vigilantism, saying allegations of criminality involving some non-nationals should not be used to inflame tensions.
“Those with knowledge of any criminal act, whether committed by a South African or a non-national, should report it to the South African Police Service for investigation,” the SAHRC said.
“Taking the law into one's own hands may lead to attacks on people, exacerbate disharmony, and defeat the ends of justice.”
The commission further urged community leaders, civil society organisations, and residents to reject violence and promote tolerance, dialogue, and adherence to the rule of law.
According to the SAHRC, challenges linked to migration, including porous borders, unemployment, illegal migration, human trafficking, hijacked buildings, and gender-based violence and femicide, should be addressed through lawful channels and engagement with relevant authorities.
The commission reiterated that all individuals living in South Africa, regardless of nationality, are protected by the Constitution and subject to the country’s laws.
“Anyone alleged to have committed a crime, irrespective of nationality, should be subject to the rule of law, with arrest and trial in a court of law,” it said.
The SAHRC added that regional cooperation and technological advancement in border management were critical in addressing migration-related challenges across Southern Africa.
“The SAHRC will continue to monitor the situation, engage stakeholders, and advocate for accountability and the protection of human rights,” the statement concluded.
For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY