Taking the law into own hands has no place in South Africa

The Star Newspaper today published a story about a man who was painted for allegedly shoplifting at a Shoprite supermarket in Mpumalanga. The Human Rights Commission is concerned about the continued practice of painting suspected criminals. This comes in the wake of courts having ruled in favour of the Limpopo girl who was painted at the premises of Pep Store in that province.

Fear of crime is a reality to many people and often people go to greater lengths to seek alternatives to deal with criminality. However some of the practices engaged in are in themselves criminal. The danger of this is that it could lead our society into anarchy, thus South Africa has laws in place that regulate the administration of justice. The Commission therefore condemns the actions of the individuals who took the law into their own hands and painted Mr. Evans Madonsela for allegedly stealing a bag of mealie meal.

In the article it is also mentioned that Shoprite says it was the private security company hired by the store that allegedly painted the suspect. There has been a great move towards privatisation of safety and security in South Africa, however this move should not compromise human rights and the rule of law. Where someone engages the services of private security company they remain responsible for actions taken by the security company on their behalf. Therefore Shoprite cannot abdicate responsibility.

The Commission will monitor this case and ensure that those who violate the law and hard worn right to dignity of every individual are brought to book. These degrading forms of punishment reminiscent of medieval and archaic era have no place in a democratic South Africa founded on dignity, equality, and freedom for all.

Issued by: South African Human Rights commission
Date: 18 September 2002
For more information please contact:
Phumla Mthala Tel: (011) 484-8300/ 083 265 3612