Ramaphosa fails to act on whistle-blower threats

The UN Special Rapporteur who deals with human rights issues has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, asking why the Public Protector’s recommendations on security intervention for corruption fighter Thabiso Zulu and other whistle-blowers have not been implemented, says a report in The Mercury. The Special Rapporteur wrote to the government in September for clarification and details on the steps taken to begin carrying out an investigation aimed at bringing those responsible for subjecting Zulu to threats, intimidation and surveillance to justice. The UN gave Ramaphosa 60 days to respond, after which their communication would be made public. According to Zulu, there has been no response to the UN and no interventions have been taken to protect him and other whistle-blowers. Zulu is a former ANC youth leader who has been spilling the beans on government corruption. He has been subjected to threats and intimidation since late last year after giving evidence to the Moerane Commission of Inquiry that was tasked with investigating political killings in KwaZulu-Natal province. Threats against Zulu were made public in a series of news articles in local and international media, including The New York Times.

Full report in The Mercury (subscription needed)