S.Africa’s Prosecuting Authority Says May Appeal Zimbabwe Torture Ruling
09 May 2012
Blessing Zulu | Washington
The South African prosecuting authority says it is considering appealing
Tuesday’s High Court ruling compelling Pretoria to investigate and prosecute
Zimbabweans, in particular senior Zanu PF officials, suspected of crimes
against humanity.
Spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga of the South African National Prosecuting Authority
told VOA Wednesday they have two weeks to appeal the ruling.
He said the authority is currently discussing with the police on how best to
respond.
Judge Hans Fabricius ordered the NPA to prosecute Zimbabweans concerned if
they ever set foot in South Africa.
The case was brought to the courts by the Southern Africa Litigation Centre
along with the Zimbabwe Exiles Forum, which represents many Zimbabweans who
say they fled to South Africa after being tortured by security agents for
supporting the Movement for Democratic Change.
The High Court decision could prod South Africa into investigations into
high-ranking Harare officials, a move many say would strain already
difficult diplomatic relations with the power-sharing government in
Zimbabwe.
But speaking to state television Tuesday, Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa
said the decision is “a wish by the South African judge pushing an agenda of
former Rhodesians” whom he said want to effect regime change in Zimbabwe.
He said the decision will not be entertained by Zimbabwe.
“The ruling brings the South African justice system into disrepute,” said
Chinamasa.
“No specifics have been identified because they should have laid a blow to
blow account of what crime has been committed.
“That the court made a ruling based on a generalized opinion is a sad moment
for the justice system in South Africa.”
Legal expert Alex Magaisa says Chinamasa’s remarks are off the mark, adding
the ruling is significant.