South Africa’s Hawks are investigating four cases of treason related to disinformation about the Land Expropriation Act. The cases were opened by political parties, though Hawks head, Gen Godfrey Lebeya, declined to reveal specific individuals or organizations under scrutiny.
“These cases involve some individuals who may have crossed the border to communicate certain things perceived to be in the direction of high treason. I don’t want to mention names of organizations,” Lebeya said.
The investigation is still in its early stages, but there have been increasing calls for Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum to be charged with treason.
Last month, the MK Party filed a treason complaint against AfriForum after an executive order signed by former US President Donald Trump expressed disapproval of South Africa’s land expropriation policy and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The US later indicated plans to develop a strategy for offering Afrikaners refugee status.
AfriForum representatives are currently in Washington meeting Trump’s team, a move that has heightened tensions between the US and South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa has since urged AfriForum and Solidarity to focus on resolving issues within South Africa rather than taking grievances abroad.
On Monday, March 3, Lebeya confirmed that the Hawks were working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution.
“Those types of crimes require careful evidence collection. When the time comes, the NPA will decide if what we have gathered is enough to take individuals to court,” he said.
Lebeya added that the Hawks would not make any arrests without proper legal backing. “We don’t discriminate—anyone who commits a crime must know that we will act without fear, favour, or prejudice,” he said.
Source: Linda Ikeji Blog