Note: This letter by Bishop Rubin Phillip gives us insight into the malicious agenda and distortions by Heinrich Bohmke. Ultimately, Bohmke's lies, consistent with the state's manufactured case against Abahlali baseMjondolo, was proven wrong in court. The judge also ruled that there is clear evidence that police coached witnesses to lie under oath.
July 25, 2010 Edition 1 - Sunday Tribune
Or see a similar article in Pambazuka Press
Over the past months we have received strong support for our intention to convene an independent commission of inquiry into the violence visited on the shack settlement of Kennedy Road in September 2009.
July 25, 2010 Edition 1 - Sunday Tribune
Or see a similar article in Pambazuka Press
Over the past months we have received strong support for our intention to convene an independent commission of inquiry into the violence visited on the shack settlement of Kennedy Road in September 2009.
Only such an inquiry will help us establish a full picture of the events and their aftermath, as well as the context and implications.
From community organisations and senior church leaders in this country, to community-based organisations in London and justice groups in congregations in Scotland, to senior international figures in the churches and the human rights scene, we have been moved and encouraged by their commitment to finding the truth.
These developments, with the support and counsel of the many we are working with on the matter, keep us resolute and confident. Confident not only that the commission process will happen, but that it will deliver an outcome of unquestionable integrity.
Those of us who have followed the events closely know, of course, that there is a related court process unfolding.
We have repeatedly and publicly expressed our deep alarm at the narrow and selective focus of that case.
Nonetheless, we have been careful not to infringe either the legal rights of the accused in the matter nor the necessary protections that apply to a matter that is sub judice.
For the same reason, it is clear that no commission can begin hearing and evaluating evidence until that case finally comes to a conclusion.
Regrettably, in this interregnum, some, whose objective is to undermine and attack the shack dwellers' movement, Abahlali baseMjondolo, show no respect for these niceties, and have indeed abused them to advance their own destructive agenda.
Heinrich Böhmke's attack on our good friend and world-renowned historian, Jeff Guy, in an article carried by the Sunday Tribune on July 18, is one recent example.
That draws on a longer piece that Böhmke had written - and widely circulated - where I too come under sustained and dishonest attack.
We have had meetings with counsel as well as leaders of Abahlali baseMjondolo about the matter.
We have considered the attacks from Böhmke and rejected them.
It would be incorrect to engage in contesting the specifics.
Firstly, key elements of the matter are sub judice. Secondly, Böhmke's intention has nothing to do with genuinely seeking truth and justice and we find no common ground with him in these tasks.
Finally, the findings of a full and independent enquiry will provide us all with a sound basis of knowledge and truth.
We would like to conclude by reminding everyone that Abahlali baseMjondolo first called for an independent commission of inquiry.
Bishop Rubin
Phillip
Durban
From community organisations and senior church leaders in this country, to community-based organisations in London and justice groups in congregations in Scotland, to senior international figures in the churches and the human rights scene, we have been moved and encouraged by their commitment to finding the truth.
These developments, with the support and counsel of the many we are working with on the matter, keep us resolute and confident. Confident not only that the commission process will happen, but that it will deliver an outcome of unquestionable integrity.
Those of us who have followed the events closely know, of course, that there is a related court process unfolding.
We have repeatedly and publicly expressed our deep alarm at the narrow and selective focus of that case.
Nonetheless, we have been careful not to infringe either the legal rights of the accused in the matter nor the necessary protections that apply to a matter that is sub judice.
For the same reason, it is clear that no commission can begin hearing and evaluating evidence until that case finally comes to a conclusion.
Regrettably, in this interregnum, some, whose objective is to undermine and attack the shack dwellers' movement, Abahlali baseMjondolo, show no respect for these niceties, and have indeed abused them to advance their own destructive agenda.
Heinrich Böhmke's attack on our good friend and world-renowned historian, Jeff Guy, in an article carried by the Sunday Tribune on July 18, is one recent example.
That draws on a longer piece that Böhmke had written - and widely circulated - where I too come under sustained and dishonest attack.
We have had meetings with counsel as well as leaders of Abahlali baseMjondolo about the matter.
We have considered the attacks from Böhmke and rejected them.
It would be incorrect to engage in contesting the specifics.
Firstly, key elements of the matter are sub judice. Secondly, Böhmke's intention has nothing to do with genuinely seeking truth and justice and we find no common ground with him in these tasks.
Finally, the findings of a full and independent enquiry will provide us all with a sound basis of knowledge and truth.
We would like to conclude by reminding everyone that Abahlali baseMjondolo first called for an independent commission of inquiry.
Bishop Rubin
Phillip
Durban