Further evidence has been led at the South African Human Rights Commission’s hearings in KwaZulu-Natal suggesting that endemic racism was behind an apparent vigilante killing spree after the July looting.
Thirty-six people are believed to have been killed by vigilantes in the Phoenix area alone.
But they said that they were simply protecting their neighbourhood.
Chris Biyela narrowly escaped an attack by a group of suspected vigilantes and he gave testimony about his experience on Tuesday.
Biyela believes that there needs to be government intervention for those affected.
“The government should have already contacted the victims or came close to the victims by terms of compensation or by terms of being taken care of,” Biyela said.
Another witness, Thulani Mseleku, told the inquiry that his car was damaged during an attack back in July and it’s now been written off.
The attack has also left him with medical issues.
Phoenix residents also had an opportunity to give their testimony, with one detailing the panic the community felt in the wake of the unprecedented violence, saying that many people were simply trying to protect their families and homes from potential looters.
-EWN
In other news – No vaccine, no job – Muvhango actors given an ultimatum
Muvhango cast and crew have been given an ultimatum by the soapie creator Duma Ndlovu to vaccinate or lose their contracts. Ndlovu threw down the gauntlet to actors and technical staff during a meeting to discuss austerity measures to curb company costs in the new financial season and to minimize the spread of Covid-19.
The actors, who have been at home as the producers and the SABC were negotiating new contracts, will resume their shooting schedule next month. Learn More
