2020 Measures to Address Violence and Unrest in a Time of COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 had a severe impact on the lives of South Africans. Despite lockdown measures, unrest and violence continued unabated. The South African Police Services’ crime statistics reveal that, in some instances, less violent crimes were committed. Inquiries into taxi, police, and defence force violence during lockdown were also conducted. The Khosa v Minister of Defence case is dealt with in more detail in this regard. Violent protests continued despite lockdown measures. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s assistance to victims of apartheid in relation to basic and higher education was increased. The Department of Correctional Services had to reassess its parole system to ensure that violent criminals released on parole do not commit additional crimes. Despite this, numerous prisoners were released to lessen the pressure on prisons in a time of COVID-19. The Constitutional Court also addressed the Judicial Inspectorate’s lack of resources to conduct its work properly. The establishment of a National Security Council and its functions is addressed. The Firearms Control Regulations’ amendments include provisions on the training and retraining of employees of official institutions in the handling of firearms. The note also discusses several cases in relation to the use of firearms. The provisions of the Victim Support Services Bill of 2019 published in 2020 are also investigated. The note also refers to lists of entities that the United Nationals Security Council identified in terms of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act. The note concludes that unrest and violence (institutionalised or not) still underpin the South African society. The COVID-19 lockdown revealed more of these transgressions and limitations within the systems of the police, defence force, and correctional services. This note focuses on the most important 2020 measures and is a continuation of the annual reporting in this regard.