AfriForum lays charge of hate speech with HRC after shooting at Delareyville

AfriForum today laid a charge of hate speech with the Human Rights Commission (HRC) against Mr Solly Phetoe of Cosatu in his personal capacity, in reaction to Mr Phetoe's public statements about an incident on a farm near Delareyville last week.

During this incident, Mr Jaco Swart shot two men at about 02:00 in his home, as they were trying to open the door of the room in which he was. According to Nantes Kelder, Head of Community Safety of AfriForum, it is unacceptable for Mr Phetoe to give the incident a racial colour, while this is not the case at all.

Kelder also said that Mr Phetoe is inciting racial tension with these statements and that AfriForum will hold him personally accountable for any farm attacks or violence which may result from these false accusations.

AfriForum yesterday paid the bail of Mr Swart (26) and undertook also to pay for his defence. Swart is now charged with murder and attempted murder as a result of this incident.

According to Kelder, Swart is being assisted as AfriForum believes that every individual has the right to defend him/herself within the framework of the law, and that this is exactly what has happened here.

Kelder also called on the Deputy Minister of Safety and Security, Ms Susan Shabangu, to step in and set matters straight in this case. He referred to her statement in April this year that individuals have to protect themselves against criminals. She then even went as far as to say that the public "should shoot to kill". Her statement was also welcomed by ANC President, Mr Jacob Zuma.

According to Kelder, South Africa cannot be allowed to end up in a similar situation as Zimbabwe, with individuals interfering in the legal system.

Statement issued by Nantes Kelder, Head of Community Safety for AfriForum, May 21 2008