The South African Human Rights Commission takes Angelo Agrizzi to the Equality Court

Wednesday, 30 January 2019
Attention: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”) intends to initiate legal proceedings against Mr Angelo Agrizzi in the Equality Court.

This follows his testimony at the State Capture Commission of Inquiry in which he admitted to using racial slurs.

In the audio clip played at the Inquiry, Mr Agrizzi is heard using the K-word numerous times while laughing with those he was in conversation with.

The Commission finds this conduct particularly egregious, hurtful, uncalled for and it is the kind of instance which would embolden like-minded individuals if no action is taken or sanction is meted out. The Commission believes that Mr Agrizzi has engaged in hate speech which accentuates the chasms that were fostered before 1994 and which undermines the aspirations of our constitutional democracy.

The Commission therefore, in the public interest, intends to seek appropriate relief including an order for payment of damages and an order directing the clerk of the Equality Court to submit the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions for the possible institution of criminal proceedings against Mr Agrizzi.

Statement issued by Gail Smith, South African Human Rights Commission, 30 January 2019