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San traditional leader to make submission today
October 27, 2004, 09:15
David Kruiper, the Khomani San traditional leader, is expected to make a submission today at the Human Rights Commission's inquiry into alleged rights violations involving the Khomani San community in the Northern Cape.
This is the second day of the hearings taking place at Andriesvale outside Upington. The commission is examining alleged incidents of victimization and harassment of the community. The inquiry was prompted by the killing of Optel Rooi, a leading young Khomani tracker, in January this year. Rooi is alleged to have been murdered by two local policemen.
The commission will also be investigating allegations of torture, neglect and abuse of community members by government departments and others. It will also examine whether such incidents constitute a violation of the Constitution. Other prominent community members are also expected to make submissions later
today.
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Khomani San traditional leaders voice concerns
October 27, 2004, 18:45
The Khomani San traditional leaders were given the opportunity to voice their concerns to the Human Rights Commission on alleged human rights violations of their community at Andriesvale in the Northern Cape.
A range of issues ranging from land distribution, murder and a split in the community were brought to the attention of the Commission. The Khomani community were dispossessed of their ancestral land which formed large parts of the Kgalagadi Park, back in 1970.
However, some parts of the Park estimated at 25 000 hectares was restored to them in a successful land claim in 1999. But the community's property and assets to sustain themselves were supervised by government representatives from the agriculture, provincial and local government as well as education departments, among others.
The local community was meant to take control of their affairs in due time. But as far as it can be established from claims by the community - this failed to materialise. Now Dawid Kruiper, one of the traditional leaders, wants 50% of the land which was allocated to them in 1999.
However, the issue that prompted the community to call on the Commission's help is the death of a young Khomani tracker Optel Rooi. It has been 10 months since Rooi's death and now the community wants answers from the police.
Two lawyers are already at the Inquiry to represent the police for their involvement in the murder of Rooi.
Link: http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/general/0,2172,91120,00.html
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