Two human rights defenders shot, one killed

On 17 December 2017, Soyiso Nkqayini was shot and killed by unknown men in eNkanini, Cato Manor, while Smanga Mkhize was left seriously injured from the attack.

Soyiso Nkqayini and Smanga Mkhize are members of Abahlali baseMjondolo in eNkanini, Cato Manor, Soyiso Nkqayini was the Youth League organiser in eNkanini. Abahlali baseMjondolo is a grassroots movement of poor shack dwellers in Durban, Pinetown, Pietermaritzburg and other parts of the province of Western Cape. The movement advocates for the rights of people living in shacks including access to decent housing, services and education.

At around 4pm on 17 December 2017, Soyiso Nkqayini and Smanga Mkhize were shot by unknown men in eNkanini, Cato Manor. Soyiso Nkqayini was killed in the attack and Smanga Mkhize is seriously injured. The shooting is believed to be part of a wider campaign of violence and intimidation against members of Abahlali baseMjondolo for defending the human rights of shack dwellers. This attack comes less than a month after the killing of fellow member Sibonelo Patrick Mpeku on 19 November 2017 when the human rights defender was forcibly taken from his shack and stabbed to death by unknown assailants in the informal settlement of Sisonke Village in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The killing is believed to be a reprisal for his work defending human rights. Since 2007, including Soyiso Nkqayini, eight members of Abahlali baseMjondolo have been killed.

Front Line Defenders strongly condemns the killing of human rights defender Soyiso Nkqayini and the attempted killing of human rights defender Smanga Mkhize as it believes they were targeted for their legitimate work in the defence of human rights in South Africa.

Front Line Defenders urges the authorities in South Africa to:
 

1. Strongly and immediately condemn the killing of Soyiso Nkqayini and attempted killing of Smanga Mkhize;
 

2. Carry out an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the killing of Soyiso Nkqayini and attempted killing of Smanga Mkhize, with a view to publishing the results and bringing those responsible to justice in accordance with international standards;
 

3. Cease targeting all human rights defenders in South Africa and guarantee in all circumstances that they are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions.