SAHRC counters Bok lock
|Published
CASE: Eben Etzebeth CASE: Eben Etzebeth
The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has filed papers in the Gauteng High Court in response to Springbok Eben Etzebeth’s application to have the commission’s case against him dropped.
On Monday night, SAHRC chairperson, Bongani Majola, said: “In terms of the application filed, Etzebeth has 10 days to decide whether or not to amend his papers.
“After that, we will have a look at his amended papers, then we will indicate if we will oppose his application to have our decision set aside.”
The case stems from an alleged racial incident on 25 August at Die Watergat Pub in Langebaan on the West Coast, where the rugby star and a group of men assaulted, pistol-whipped and racially abused four people outside the pub.
The incident has sparked widespread anger and protests in the area.
The men, Enver Wilsnach, Yoraya Papier, Mogamad Smith and Kay Lee Brook are looking for compensation of more than R1 million.
The SAHRC filed a complaint in the Equality Court in Hopefield on behalf of the four, but Etzebeth has filed opposing papers in the Gauteng High Court, seeking to have a decision by the SAHRC set aside.
He also accused the institution of being biased against him.
Nigel Samuels, the lawyer for the victims, said: “I met with the investigating officer who told me he is waiting on the results of ballistic tests done on Etzebeth’s firearm.
“All statements have been obtained.
“The docket will then be referred to the National Prosecution Authority for a decision on whether to prosecute or not.”
Cape Argus