Peter Marais not yet cleared by Human Rights Commission and Public Protector

15 October 2002

The South African Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Public Protector have confirmed that they have not yet finalised their investigations into the alleged homophobic and unconstitutional statements by the erstwhile Premier of the Western Cape, Mr Peter Marais.

Speaking for the Human Rights Commission, Commissioner Leon Wessels expressed his concern at recent media reports quoting Mr Marais as considering himself cleared of all allegations. These reports appeared to arise from the decision of the Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Frank Kahn, not to pursue charges of indecent assault against Mr Marais. �It is incorrect�, he said, �for Mr Marais to suggest that he had been cleared of all allegations against him. The HRC�s investigation is continuing. We have received Mr Marais� request for clarity regarding certain aspects of the complaint and a response is being prepared.�

Similarly, the Western Cape regional representative of the Public Protector, Adv Gary Pienaar, confirmed that their investigation would now be able to proceed after the recent receipt of initial submissions on behalf of Mr Marais. �The complaint is being taken seriously and the outcome of the Public Protector�s investigation should not be pre-empted,� he said.

Please direct any additional enquiries to:

Ms Bahia Sterris, SAHRC (Western Cape) (021) 426-2277

and

Ms Nicolette Teichmann, Office of the Public Protector (012) 322-2916