Etzebeth Sharks

Eben Etzebeth. Photo: BackpagePix

Eben Etzebeth: SAHRC evidence against Bok star called into question

Eben Etzebeth is set for a showdown with the SAHRC over an alleged incident of racism – but have the Commission even got a case to present?

Etzebeth Sharks

Eben Etzebeth. Photo: BackpagePix

Rugby World Cup-winner Eben Etzebeth is living a life in limbo at the moment, following a High Court application to dismiss a racism claim lodged against. The charges were laid by the SA Human Rights Commission, after a boozy night out in Langebaan allegedly ended with the athlete verbally abusing a local.

What evidence does the SAHRC have against Eben Etzebeth?

The case has divided South Africans during a month which will be remembered for the Springboks’ epic achievements in Japan. Many feel that Etzebeth is innocent until proven otherwise, whereas others believe he must face a strict punishment as soon as possible. However, the SAHRC have been blighted by allegations that they are “not prepared” to secure a conviction against the lock.

Rumours have been swirling all weekend, suggesting that the team representing the complainant don’t have enough evidence to firmly pin the burden of guilt of Eben Etzebeth. It has been alleged that the Commission’s executive head, Tseliso Thipanyane, had expressed doubt about forging ahead with the case.

Despite Rapport’s Sunday publication sharing documents which backed-up these concerns, the SAHRC have dismissed any suspicions about the solidity of their prosecution. The case will end up in the Equality Court for trial, if Eben Etzebeth’s attempts to have the charges dismissed fails.

Taming the Springbok

The Commission were always going to come under-fire at such an important time in South Africa’s sporting history. The “trial-by-social-media” Etzebeth has experienced so far has been uncomfortable for all – and when Totalsports removed all images of the athlete from their stores, it wound-up thousands of South Africans. However, nobody is above the law and if there is a case to answer, it needs sorting quickly.

Buang Jones is the Head of the SAHRC. He has previously denied that any formal investigation has been launched against the Commission in Parliament. He said that they are busy with fact-finding and that the minutae of the Etzebeth case should be finalised soon. According to him, the group also obtained two legal opinions and both “acquitted” Jones of showing any prejudice towards the 28-year-old.