Mediamec The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has called for thorough police investigations into two killings in North West and Durban, stressing that nationality and immigration status do not diminish anyone’s right to life or excuse criminal conduct.
The commission condemned the deaths of a police officer outside Lichtenburg Mall and a foreign national allegedly attacked by protesters in Durban’s city centre.
SAHRC spokesperson Wisani Baloyi said the officer was allegedly run over by a foreign national in Lichtenburg on 19 October. The suspect was arrested and has appeared in court on a murder charge and immigration-related charges.
In the separate Durban incident, a foreign national was allegedly beaten to death by protesters on Thursday, 22 October.
Baloyi said those responsible for both deaths must be held accountable through the criminal justice system. He described the reported Durban killing as a serious violation of the rights to life and dignity that required urgent investigation.
The commission pointed to section 11 of the Constitution, which protects everyone’s right to life, regardless of citizenship, immigration status or country of origin. It stressed that assault is a crime and that neither individuals nor groups may take the law into their own hands.
While recognising the right to peaceful assembly and protest, the SAHRC said concerns over immigration, unemployment, crime and public services could not excuse attacks on others.
It urged the South African Police Service to investigate both killings thoroughly, identify those responsible and bring them before the courts. Law enforcement authorities were also asked to act to prevent further violence and protect lives.
The commission called on the Department of Home Affairs to tackle illegal immigration within its constitutional mandate to manage identity, civic status and migration.
Community leaders, civil society organisations and public representatives were urged to oppose violence and encourage peaceful dialogue, social cohesion and respect for human rights.
Baloyi cautioned against allowing wider migration debates to overshadow the circumstances of the Durban killing, saying everyone was entitled to equal protection under the law.
