Sonke calls for independent investigations for complaints lodged in relation to state violence during lockdown 

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PRESS RELEASE


** Sonke calls for independent investigations for complaints lodged in relation to state violence during lockdown
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** 5 June 2020 · For Immediate Release
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Sonke Gender Justice welcomes the judgment that was handed down in the matter of Collins Khosa on May 15, 2020. Khosa succumbed to his injuries and died in April 2020 due to security forces’ heavy-handedness in the name of upholding lockdown regulations.

Khosa was the ninth person to die in a span of two weeks from when the lockdown was enforced on March 26, 2020, with a current total of 12 deaths. Elma Robyn Montsumi's death at Mowbray police station in April 2020 being the most recent.

The terror that South Africans have faced at the hands of law enforcement officers during the national lock down comes in the wake of the brutal death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.

The culture of brutality towards Black people not only in South Africa but the-world-over is a common characteristic of most formerly oppressive regimes such as Apartheid. In South Africa, violence remains legitimised and this only serves to fuel cyclical distrust between vulnerable members of the public and law enforcement officers.

The Khosa judgment is a reminder that the Constitution stands to enhance and protect the fundamental human rights of ALL people and not just the affluent few. Judge Hans Fabricius sets the tone of his judgment by explaining the expectation of the social contract between the populace and a legitimate government. The judge stated, “the populace must be able to trust the government to abide by the rule of law”.

The judgement goes so far as to declare the rights to dignity, life, and freedom from torture. These rights should not be negated due to the lockdown and therefore the police and army have no excuse whatsoever to disregard these rights in carrying out their duty. The judgement further places an onus on those in charge of state security institutions to see to it that their members operate within the scope of the Constitution.

There is also a reminder that South Africa is a proud signatory to International instruments that cover human dignity and condemn torture. Consequently, South Africa has an obligation to live up to expectations in terms of its obligations to the law and commitment to international instruments.

Sonke calls for independent investigations for each of the deaths in the hands of the security establishments, accountability to the public, and justice to ensure that state security forces live up to the standards that South Africa as a democratic country, purports to subscribe to.

Black people, other vulnerable populations like sex workers and the LGBTI community in South Africa want to breathe! Our constitution guarantees this right. It cannot be taken away by police or soldiers, even under lockdown! #BLACKLIVESMATTER.

For media enquiries, please contact:
1. Bafana Khumalo, Senior Strategic Advisor, 0825784479 or .
2. Given Sigauqwe, Communications & Strategic Informations Unit Manager, 0739882870 or [email protected].

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