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Media statement: SAHRC condemns the attack against a woman outside Luthuli House

Attention: Editors - Tuesday, February 6, 2018

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC, or ‘the Commission) strongly condemns the attack on a woman protestor by Thabiso Setona outside Luthuli House on Monday 5 February 2018.   The Commission is appalled by the violence directed at women.  There is no justification for violence against women in any context.

The Commission is appalled not only by the attack on a woman, but that Mr Setona did not hesitate to kick a woman in public in the full glare of the media.  Further, the Commission is concerned by the lack of the members of the South African Police Services, who watched and did nothing.  The SAHRC welcomes news of Mr Setona’s arrest.

This brazen and egregious attack on woman highlights the fact that gender based violence (GBV) remains a persistent problem in South Africa, with 21% percent of women over the age of 18 years having experienced violence by a partner[1]. GBV is further perpetrated against lesbian, gay, and transgender person at alarming rates in South Africa.  

The inaction by the members of the SAPS during this attack highlights the insensitivity and secondary victimization that victims of gender based violence experience when reporting these crimes to the SAPS; where they are routinely dealt with insensitively, or there is a total failure to pursue prosecution.

GBV and violence against women, as displayed during the Luthuli House protests, cannot be tolerated in a democratic and constitutional society based on equality.  

The SAHRC welcomes the African National Congress’ condemnation of the attack and its intention to discipline Mr Setona’s actions. The SAHRC encourages the ANC to take the strongest disciplinary action against him and against all its members who perpetrate violence against women going forward.

Further, the Commission would encourage all political parties and groups to educate their members on their rights and responsibilities attached to protest action. The right to protest is protected by the Constitution.  However, the Constitution emphatically states that: “Everyone has the right, peacefully and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions.  The Commission thus calls on all political parties, organisations, and individuals to exercise their right to protest within the confines of the law, and that all protest action remain lawful and in accordance with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Ends

Released by SAHRC. Contact Gail Smith, Spokesperson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 060 988 3792

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The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.

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