THE July unrest was not linked to the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma, as had been claimed.
The timing of the events of the 2021 July unrest coincided with the arrest of former president Zuma.
This intersection of events has led many to conclude that the two events were linked.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) have released the investigation reports of the hearing into the 2021 July unrest.
The release of the reports took place on Monday, 29 January at the Gateway Hotel in Umhlanga, north of Durban.
The chairman of the CRL, Professor David Mosoma, said that the mistrust and suspicions of Africans by Indians, which allegedly led to the killings of Africans by Indians led by some residents, could have its historical origins in 1949.
"We have also argued that the causes of the unrest are crime, organised groups and inequality. This mistrust and suspicion makes it difficult for communities in Phoenix and surrounding areas to live together and promote the values of friendship, peace, humanity, tolerance based on equality, non-discrimination and free association," he said.
He said the riots of 2021 have found fertile ground to spread mistrust and suspicion between areas.
"The CRL recommended a cleansing ceremony. In African culture, cleansing is a necessary ritual to appease, acknowledge and honour those who have gone before us. Cleansing and healing therefore means restoring the relationship between the living and the dead," he said.
Philile Ntuli, the commissioner of the SAHRC, subsequently released their report and said the evidence presented to the commission showed that the acts during the unrest were indeed orchestrated.
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"The blockade of N3 and N2, the destruction of factories and warehouses, the organised disabling of security and fire alarm systems," she said.
She said the South African Police Service (SAPS) was not prepared to deal with the attacks.
"The failure to quickly address and counter digital orchestration and incitement through social media and other online platforms has allowed the unrest to grow. The working relationship between the minister of police and the national commissioner of the police has a negative impact on collecting and sharing of intelligence information," she said.
National police commissioner general Lieutenant-General Fannie Masemola said: "The SAPS takes note of the report. We will study the report. We have already addressed most of the recommendations in the report from 2021, such as increasing the number of POP members."
Victim Zanele Leisa (31), who was shot during the unrest, said she is now confined to a wheelchair.
"I wish the people behind this are caught. I was shot when I was sitting in my house. The bullet hit me in the back. My child was not hurt. These riots have ruined my life," she said.
An unhappy mum, Busisiwe Ngindi, whose son, Philani Ngidi, died during the riots in Phoenix, said she doesn't understand most of what was said because they were speaking in English.
"All we and the families of the victims want is for the government to compensate us," she said.
