The Commission strongly condemns the failure by the State to adequately address the ongoing violence which has claimed scores of lives in the area thus far. The SAHRC express its heart-felt condolences to the families of the victims of the ongoing violence. The violation of the right to life (s8 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Constitution), the most fundamental of all rights, on an ongoing and seemingly unaddressed basis is intolerable. The Constitution also guarantees the rights to freedom and security of the person and freedom of movement for all. Communities in violence-plagued areas of the Western Cape are not excluded from constitutional guaranteed rights, yet for years have suffered the ongoing violation of these rights.

The impact of violence on the right to education is also of great concern. As parents and children prepare for the start of the 2025 school year, it should not be that in some neighbourhoods schooling can be disrupted on account of sporadic violence. Some parents live in fear not knowing whether their children will make to school or back home because of gang violence.

The Commission accordingly calls on the President, the Minister of Police, and the South African Police Service, in conjunction with all other relevant departments, to urgently prioritise addressing these ongoing human rights violations. Upholding the rights guaranteed in our hard won constitution is the first and most important duty of all of us as people in this country.

Violence and criminality threaten the enjoyment of human rights of all and stability,  as well as the economic growth in South Africa. Communities are encouraged to report unlawful activities and work with law enforcement agencies in combatting this threat to our democracy.

In as much as we have rights, we also have responsibilities. All of us are responsible for the active and vigorous protection of our rights.

The Commission's Western Cape Provincial Office will continue to monitor the situation while looking at various interventions to bring about sustainable solutions in curbing the violence. The Commission also condemn similar acts of which are occurring and reported in various parts of the country. Violence threatens social order and deprive communities their rights to life and safety among others. 

Ends

 For media queries contact the Western Cape Provincial Office on 072 362 6467 or Ms T Carter, Advocacy and Research Officer Western Cape on 021 426 2277 / 0685438996.