[LISTEN] SAHRC considering legal opinion on its involvement in Etzebeth case
The Etzebeth case has become increasingly controversial with the Commission having to investigate its acting Head of Legal, Buang Jones, over his comments relating to Etzebeth.
As the Springboks travel back to South Africa after their victory in the Rugby World Cup, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is meeting on Monday to decide on whether or not to continue as the legal representatives of the so-called Langebaan four in their case against Springbok Eben Etzebeth.
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The commission's Chris Nissen says: "The Commission is not the complainant in the Langebaan matter."
He says after Etzebeth was taken to the Equality Court over an alleged racial incident in Langebaan earlier this year, the Springbok responded with his own legal action, among others asking that the SAHRC step down from the matter.
The SAHRC sought legal opinion on this and will be deciding on the way forward - and whether they will remain involved in the case on Monday.
"That legal advice was received on Friday and the commissioners are meeting to discuss that advice and then take a decision on whether to oppose the application or not," says Nissen, noting that the Equality COurt's processes would continue regardless of their involvement.
The Etzebeth case has become increasingly controversial with the Commission having to investigate its acting Head of Legal, Buang Jones, over his comments relating to Etzebeth after Jones told the community in Langebaan that Etzebeth "always got away" with such conduct.
The Afrikanerbond's complaint to the Commission led to the investigation, while the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) said the SAHRC was selective in its prosecution.
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Listen to Nissen below: