AfriForum on Wednesday laid a charge with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against the Congress of South African Trade Unions’s (Cosatu) Solly Phetoe.
AfriForum’s Nantes Kelder said the group laid a charge of hate speech against Cosatu North West provincial secretary Phetoe in his personal capacity after his comments following a shooting in the North West.
Beeld reported on Tuesday that Jaco Swart allegedly shot two robbers through a closed door in his house in Driekant. One was allegedly injured while another was killed.
Phetoe called for the arrest of Swart on grounds that the killing was ”a racist murder”, Beeld reported.
”It is unacceptable for Phetoe to give the incident a racial colour, while this is not the case at all,” said Kelder.
Kelder said Phetoe’s statements were inciting racial tension.
”AfriForum will hold him personally accountable for any farm attacks or violence that may result from these false accusations.”
Kelder said AfriForum paid the bail for Swart on Tuesday. It said it would also pay legal fees.
”Swart is now charged with murder and attempted murder as a result of this incident,” said Kelder.
Kelder also called on Deputy Minister of Safety and Security Susan Shabangu to step in to help in the matter.
The Afrikanerbond and the Freedom Front Plus said on Tuesday Phetoe’s statements promoted hate speech.
The SAHRC could not be reached for comment. — Sapa