The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) Rights Commission, and the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) say the inquiry will probe systemic failures in the justice system that may have contributed to the controversial verdict. The court cited prosecutorial missteps in its ruling.

At a press briefing in Johannesburg, the commissions raised broader concerns about how gender-based violence (GBV) cases are handled, particularly those involving religious institutions.

“This is not an attack on religion or churches, but on individuals who misuse sacred spaces to harm others,” said CRL Chairperson Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva.

The CGE’s Advocate Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mokonyane said the case exposes deep-rooted issues, from police response to court proceedings and parole decisions. “We will use our legal powers to subpoena those needed for the hearings. Non-compliance will have consequences.”

SAHRC Commissioner Chris Nissen pointed to the country’s DNA backlog as a major barrier to justice, saying victims are being failed at every stage. “Many cases collapse due to delayed or missing forensic evidence.”

Activists have echoed frustrations, accusing the government of neglecting promises to clear the DNA backlog. “We were told it would be resolved by early 2024,” said GBV activist Siphesihle Bhengu. “It’s now 2025, and nothing has changed.”

The inquiry is expected to hear testimony in the coming months, aiming to deliver recommendations to reform how sexual violence cases are handled in SA.

--ChannelAfrica--