DA to lay Crimen Injuria charges following racist post

1 November 2016

The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal strongly condemns the racist comments by Mr Dawie Kriel on Facebook, where he attacked the Hindu Community during Diwali celebrations.  

Mr Kriel referred to the Hindu community as ‘idol worshippers’ and ‘devil disciples,’ who should “piss-off back to…[their] dark hole”.

This language has no place in our Constitutional democracy, where the right to religious freedom is enshrined in our Bill of Rights. It is disgustingly hateful and fundamentally undermines the dignity of many South Africans.

The DA will accordingly lay a charge of Crimen Injuria against Mr Kriel. We also welcome the decision by the South African Human Rights Commission to investigate the matter. We look forward to the report being made public as soon as it is complete. 

South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our beautiful diversity. The DA encourages all South Africans to stand together to fight against racism by condemning the attitudes of the few who seek to divide us. 

Issued by Haniff Hoosen, DA KZN Chairperson, 1 November 2016