Alex service delivery investigator threatened
ALEXANDRA – Threatened human rights defender stands firm on Alex probe.
An official of the SA Human Rights Commission involved in the investigation of service delivery problems in Alexandra has been threatened.
In an SABC morning news clip on 5 June, the victim and provincial head of the commission’s Gauteng office Buang Jones said the threats to him, which he associated with the investigation, were made telephonically.
Jones’ team is partnering with the Public Protector in probing human rights abuses and maladministration in service delivery in Joburg’s oldest township, which has been rocked by intermittent protests.
The latest unrest shut down the settlement during the national general elections campaign, prompting President Matamela Ramaphosa to weigh in, which resulted in a related investigation into the alleged corruption in the allocation of RDP houses. The City has promised the release of its own report by its forensic investigation unit.
Jones said threats are to be expected by human rights defenders seeking the truth.
“Our [investigators’] lives are not ones of comfort, as we seek to unearth the truth about alleged malfeasance and financial misuse in the RDP housing development and the manifesting socio-economic conditions in the township,” he said, adding that a forensic probe will identify the wrongdoers.
According to Jones, the team will rely on the citizens for protection. He was transferred to the commission’s Joburg office from the Free State province, which he said was volatile, but their determination and passion there made them succeed in their work.
Meanwhile, the DA proportional representative councillor Shadrack Mkhonto told Alex News about claims that some whistle-blowers and information sources for the City’s probe were also threatened, but they will not be deterred.
“Alex’s housing saga has been long-standing and needs a sustainable solution for there to be lasting peace in the township.”
He urged all the investigations to probe deeply without fear, favour or partisanship.
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