Two Ghanaians have submitted a petition to the International Criminal Court against South Africa (SA).
They have requested the court to investigate what they call attacks against foreign nationals, saying they could constitute crimes against humanity.
Pretoria has described this as opportunistic.
SA’s International Relations Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri says the action fails to satisfy the statutory legal triggers.
“Legislation such as the Prevention and Combating Hate Crimes, Hate Speech Act directly gives effect to the Republic’s obligations under the Constitution and International Human Rights instruments concerning racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and other related intolerances.”
“This legal framework specifically provides for a distinct offence such as hate crime and hate speech and ensures prosecution of any offences committed by individuals in this category,” adds Phiri.
—SABC—
