The South African Human Rights Commission will hold an inquiry into alleged human rights violations against the Khomani San community of the Kalahari, the commission announced on Wednesday.
The inquiry will be held in the community hall of Andriesvale, in the Askham area of the Northern Cape, from October 26 to 29. The commission will hear submissions from individuals, organisations and other interested parties.
The commission said it had first received complaints about police conduct against this community in December 2003. The death of community member Optel Rooi, ”prompted us to monitor further developments closely”.
After wide-ranging consultations with community leaders, non-governmental organisations and local authorities, it was decided to convene a formal enquiry, a statement read.
The inquiry will include the conduct of the police towards the community, in particular the investigation into the shooting of Rooi and subsequent measures taken, allegations of child sexual abuse and harassment at the Askam school. – Sapa