We're scapegoats, says AfriForum

TREASON: UPROAR OVER LOBBYING FOR ISOLATION OF SA

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

Legal minds have expressed varying views about whether the civil society organisation, AfriForum, should be charged with treason for lobbying for the isolation of South Africa by the United States.

This after many posts on X called for AfriForum to be charged with treason for instigating the Trump administration to complain about the Expropriation Act and farm killings.

A Joburg-based advocate, Mzukisi Mgxashe said AfriForum could be prosecuted in terms of Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act pertaining to extra-territorial jurisdiction.

The courts have jurisdiction to try terrorist acts committed abroad beyond the financing of terrorism. He cited Section 54(1) of the Internal Security Act.

"In essence if the communication which is misleading and not truthful about the Expropriation Act was conveyed by AfriForum and Solidarity endanger the Republic they could be prosecuted.

"If the information conveyed to President Donald Trump that led to the manner he reacted poses risk and damage to the republic, this law allows our law enforcement agencies to act against them," Mgxashe said.