On 29 August 2018 the South African Human Rights Commission (‘The Commission’) was made aware of looting and violent attacks on foreign-owned shops in Soweto and other areas around Gauteng. It soon emerged that these incidents were sparked by allegations that foreign-owned shops were selling fake and/or expired goods to the public. Thus, the Commission will investigate the possible human rights violations that arose as a result of the alleged manufacture and sale of fake and/or expired goods.

In order to obtain clarity, the Commission will hold an inquiry into the matter. The Commission seeks to test the veracity of the allegations in order to determine whether fake and/or expired goods are being sold to the public and thus threatening the health and safety and human rights of residents of the Gauteng Province.

 

The Inquiry will take place as follows:

Date: 12 & 13 September 2018

Time: 09h30

Venue: SAHRC 2nd Floor Training Centre, Braampark Office Park, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Ends

For further information contact the Gauteng Provincial Office of the South African Human Rights Commission: Buang Jones, Provincial Manager T: 011 877 3752 / C: 078 617 0476; E: bjones@sahrc.org.za  or Zamakhize Mkhize, Legal officer: zmkhize@sahrc.org.za ; 011 877 3764 / 061 814 7143