AfriForum has responded to speculation that the Hawks’ investigation into high treason would involve them.
The group has been facing backlash over efforts to lobby support for its movement in the United States, allegedly to promote the interests of both Afrikaners and South Africa in the country. The group is joined by Solidarity and the Solidarity Movement in the US.
AfriForum CEO seemingly unbothered by threat of charges
In the wake of the news that the Hawks have launched a probe into allegations of high treason, AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel has addressed the situation. Interestingly, Kriel says he simply won’t be ‘losing any sleep’ over the matter.
“There are simply no legal grounds for the charges, but should the state decide to continue with their actions against AfriForum, it will strengthen our position as it will show that there are indeed ANC leaders who abuse their power to govern against certain sections of the population,” explains Kriel.
Additionally, Kriel claims that any potential court case will provide a platform to show how ‘disloyal ANC leaders behave’. The CEO claims that the state is gambling with the nation’s future.
Kriel alleged this is achieved through ‘reckless’ policies like the Expropriation Act and the Basic Education Act Amendment Act.
AfriForum hasn’t received any notice of an investigation against them. The group will continue engagements in the US this week.
Treason charges not the government taking action
Clayson Monyela, head of Public Diplomacy at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, weighed in on the situation. He clarified that the Hawks’ investigation was not the South African government’s doing.
“These charges were filed by private citizens and a political party (not the ANC or SA government). The police are under legal obligation to investigate and hand over the file to the NPA which will decide whether the state can prosecute.” Monyela explained.
Hawks remain silent on names of those facing charges
The Hawks have not confirmed who is facing treason charges. However, it confirmed that four high treason dockets have been opened and are under investigation.
Speaking to EWN, Hawks head General Godfrey Lebeya confirms the open cases. Additionally, the cases were opened at police stations across SA and centralised to the Hawks for investigation.
“We have indeed received four case dockets against the entities that I do not want to start by mentioning their names, which is the normal practice in that we don’t mention the names of the entities before they are charged. But otherwise, we have received four cases that are currently under investigation.” Lebeya commented.
Do you feel there is substantial evidence for a high treason case against AfriForum?
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