South Africa accused of prior knowledge of Hamas attack

JUSTIN Lewis, a representative of the UK-based judicial rights group Casisa, has written to Leo Brent Bozell III, the US Ambassador nominated to South Africa, calling for sanctions against the country.

- THABO MAKWAKWA

In a letter dated March 27, 2025, and seen by IOL, Lewis, who leads a human rights advocacy group, claimed that South Africa's legal actions against Israel are part of a broader Hamas strategy.

Lewis is currently involved in an investigation into alleged corruption within South African banks linked to UK tax havens. He asserts that the investigation aims to expose legalised "court-approved" international money laundering.

The tensions stem from South Africa's December 2023 claims that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians following an attack by Hamas in October 2023.

During this attack, Hamas gunmen crossed from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1 200 Israeli civilians and the abduction of 252 hostages.

In retaliation, Israel launched military operations in Gaza, which have reportedly led to over 50 000 Palestinian deaths, including many children.