South African High Court To Hear Zimbabwe Torture Case
On Monday 26th March, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria will begin
hearing a landmark case brought by the Southern Africa Litigation Centre
(SALC) and the Zimbabwean Exiles Forum (ZEF) to compel South Africa to abide
by its legal obligations to investigate and prosecute high level Zimbabwean
officials accused of crimes against humanity.
SALC and ZEF are asking the High Court to review and set aside the decision
of the National Prosecuting Authority and the South African Police Services
not to investigate Zimbabwean officials linked to acts of state-sanctioned
torture following a police raid on the headquarters of the Movement for
Democratic Change in 2007.
This case will present the High Court with an opportunity to set an
important precedent, which will ensure that South Africa lives up to its
international and domestic legal responsibilities to prosecute perpetrators
of international crimes wherever they are committed.
The case represents the first time that a South African court will have the
opportunity to provide guidance on the scope and nature of the obligations
placed on the South African authorities by signing up to the International
Criminal Court and domesticating its obligations.
Where – North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria
When – The hearing will run from Monday 26th – Friday 31st March, starting
10am daily