The Public Protector, the Gender Commission and the South African Human Rights Commission have expressed concern over the conduct of Jacob Zuma supporters and media coverage of his rape trial.
The three bodies — all set up under Chapter Nine of the Constitution and referring to themselves as the C9s — said they met on Friday to discuss events around the trial.
This came after they received several complaints from the public.
The bodies condemned the burning of photographs of the complainant in the rape trial, and insults to her from some Zuma supporters outside the Johannesburg High Court.
”This is completely contrary to our constitutional values. The C9s … recognise the rights of any person to support any of the parties in this trial. This support should not violate the rights of others, especially respect for the dignity of the alleged rape
victim.”
The Gender Commission had met the Gauteng police commissioner to ensure that complaints about some of the supporters were attended to.
While the C9s ”respect the right of the media to report on the trial” they were worried about ”how some sectors of the media have covered the trial”.
Some coverage ”has a tendency to belittle sexual offences”.
They would ”seek to engage editors in order to ensure that the media conducts itself in a more responsible manner that augurs well for … human rights”.
The C9s had agreed not to comment on the proceedings of the trial until it ends, taking into account that there may be a review or appeal.
They were ”concerned about the slow process in the enactment of the Sexual Offences Bill, which we envisage will provide better protection for the rights of victims of sexual offences”.
The three bodies would communicate with the Ministry of Justice and the relevant parliamentary committee ”to urge for the speedy enactment of the Bill”.
The complainant in the Zuma rape trial has been subjected to rigorous and personal questioning about her sexual history. – Sapa