The murder of land activist Lindokuhle Mnguni at the weekend is a violation of international law which SA is bound to promote and protect in all communities, say the Human Rights Institute of SA and SA Human Rights Forum.
He was involved with Abahlali baseMjondolo, a shack dwellers movement established in 2005, and ran a commune in Cato Manor, Durban.
The two organisations said Abahlali's Anyanda Ngila was also murdered in March, and Nokuthula Mabaso in May.
“This climate of reprisals is raising a concern on the possible sponsored thugs hired to eliminate young social justice leaders.
“This is not different to crimes against humanity that were condemned during the darkest era of apartheid impunity to be repeated in a democracy.”
The groupings called on the government to abide by international agreements and create an enabling environment for civic activists to work without fear of reprisals and end extrajudicial killings, intimidation, harassment and arbitrary arrests.
The SA Human Rights Commission was asked to launch an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding attacks on Abahlali baseMjondolo members, to establish all the factors including any possible sponsors of the murders.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
'Civic activists must be shielded from extrajudicial killings, harassment and arbitrary arrests'
Image: 123RF/rclassenlayouts/ File photo
The murder of land activist Lindokuhle Mnguni at the weekend is a violation of international law which SA is bound to promote and protect in all communities, say the Human Rights Institute of SA and SA Human Rights Forum.
He was involved with Abahlali baseMjondolo, a shack dwellers movement established in 2005, and ran a commune in Cato Manor, Durban.
The two organisations said Abahlali's Anyanda Ngila was also murdered in March, and Nokuthula Mabaso in May.
“This climate of reprisals is raising a concern on the possible sponsored thugs hired to eliminate young social justice leaders.
“This is not different to crimes against humanity that were condemned during the darkest era of apartheid impunity to be repeated in a democracy.”
The groupings called on the government to abide by international agreements and create an enabling environment for civic activists to work without fear of reprisals and end extrajudicial killings, intimidation, harassment and arbitrary arrests.
The SA Human Rights Commission was asked to launch an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding attacks on Abahlali baseMjondolo members, to establish all the factors including any possible sponsors of the murders.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
MORE:
Lindokuhle Mnguni 'enriched all of our lives', says land activist group of murdered commune leader
EXTRACT | ‘Clare: The killing of a gentle activist’ by Christopher Clark
Sigh of relief from community as man allegedly behind ABM leader’s killing is denied bail
Give us back our homes and bring 'thieves' to justice, says shack dwellers' movement
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos