The South African Human Rights Commission has decided to conduct an inquiry into the alleged human rights violations against the Khomani San community in the Andriesville-Askham area in the Kalahari. The Commission is calling for submission from individuals, organisations and interested parties.

The Commission first received complaints about police conduct against this community in December 2003. The tragic death of Mr Optel Rooi, prompted us to monitor further developments closely.  After a wide range of consultations with community leaders, Non Government Organisations (NGO’s), various government departments, including the local authority of Mier (District municipality of Siyanda), it was decided to convene a formal inquiry. This inquiry will take place in the Community Hall of Andriesvale, in the Askham area, on the 26, 27, 28 and 29 October 2004. A number of public and private bodies have indicated to us that they welcome this inquiry because, like us, they believe a holistic approach will be in the best interest of the Khomani San community as well as all the relevant stakeholders. 

The terms of reference will be published in the Government Gazette on the 27 August 2004. The inquiry will focus on:

The conduct of the police in general towards the Khomani San, in particular the investigation into the shooting of the late Mr Optel Rooi, as well as the subsequent steps measures taken thereafter by the Independent Complaints Directorate and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

Allegations of child sexual abuse and harassment in Askham school as well as subsequent steps measures taken thereafter by the police, department of education and other stakeholders.

The roles played by private and public bodies such as:  the Departments of Agricultural and Land Affairs, Housing; Provincial and Local Government; Health; Welfare and Social Development; Education; Justice and Constitutional Development, the Local authority of Mier and the District Municipality of Siyanda, the Community Propriety Association, NGO’s and CBO’s in the promotion and protection of the rights of the Khomani San community.

The Commission will appoint a panel of not more than 5 persons to preside over the inquiry proceedings and to make findings and recommendations as soon as possible after considering the written and oral submissions presented to the inquiry.

The South African Human Rights Commission hereby calls for submissions from individuals, organisations and interested parties. All submissions must be in writing and reach the Commission no later than 27 September 2004. Persons requiring assistance in making written submissions should contact Ms Lynette Bios or Mr Kaya Zweni at the Commission: Private Bag 2700, Houghton, 2041 – tel 011 4848300 ext 2234/1175/2289 or fax 011 4841360.

Dawid Kruiper, traditional leader of the Komani San, made news last week when he hitch-hiked from the Kalahari to Cape Town to speak to President Mbeki about the plight of his people.

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