Human Rights Watch in SA has called for the SAPS to place a moratorium on the use of shotgun-fired rubber bullets following the death of Mthokozisi Ntumba, a bystander who was shot dead during protests at Wits University last week.
Human Rights Watch have called on the police to stop the use of rubber bullets following the killing of a bystander during student protests at the University of the Witswatersrand (Wits).
Mthokozisi Ntumba (35), from Auckland Park, was shot while leaving a clinic in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, and was caught in the crossfire as police were firing rubber bullets at the protesting Wits students on March 10.
The student protests emanated from the university management’s decision to block students with unpaid university fees from registering for the new academic year.
After interviewing witnesses, reviewing media reports and video footage of the incident, in a statement released on Monday, Human Rights Watch concluded that police fired shotguns, most likely loaded with rubber projectiles, recklessly and without warning - and at a close range into a small group of people.
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Ethnic minorities were disproportionately affected by the use of police force, the report - which considered Tasers, handcuffing, firearms and other force - found
Peaceful (and not so peaceful) assemblies: Global webinar on 16 December to discuss latest international standards
GENEVA (14 December 2020) – The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) and the University of Pretoria in South Africa will jointly hold a global webinar on 16 December to raise awareness on two new international instruments relating to the right of peaceful assembly.
During 2020, the United Nations issued two new international instruments on peaceful assembly. The Human Rights Committee’s General Comment provides legal guidance that defines assemblies as both physical meetings and virtual gatherings, and outlines governments’ obligations to facilitate peaceful assemblies. The UN Human Rights Guidance on Less-Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement provides guidelines on the use of force in compliance with international human rights law.