By Zahid Jadwat
Since the beginning of the nationwide lockdown, which has been implemented as a measure aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus Covid-19, at least nine civilians are alleged to have died at the hands of law enforcement officials.
The South African Human Rights Commission’s Chris Nissen confirmed to Salaamedia that the SAHRC has received complaints of alleged human rights violations during the lockdown period. “We have received a number of complaints ranging from alleged abuse [perpetrated] by law enforcement agency individuals and from socioeconomic issues such as evictions and sanitation.”
A well-known social cohesion advocate and anti-crime activist, Yusuf Abramjee, has been appointed to the Civil Society Advisory Committee of the SAHRC, where he will monitor human rights during the period of the nationwide lockdown. According to Nissen, Abramjee will advise the Commission in order to enhance and further the SAHRC’s mandate to protect and promote human rights in South Africa.
Nissen said that complaints will be referred to relevant authorities for action, and the Commission will monitor the process.
“We will refer the complaints to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate [or] the military ombudsman. We will then monitor the situation.”
Listen to the full discussion here:
Featured image via Facebook.
