It is a crime to use the k-word

CALLING people the k-word is now an official crime. The word “k*****” is a racial slur.

In July 2014 the Supreme Court of Appeals, the second highest court in South Africa, handed down a judgment in Prinsloo v State.

The appellant was convicted by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court for two counts of crimen iniura and one count of assault.

The court held that “the word k***** is racially abusive and offensive” as it was used in an injurious sense. Use of the word was an unlawful aggression on dignity.

The court noted further that:

“In our racist past it was used to hurt, humiliate, denigrate and dehumanise Africans. This obnoxious word caused untold sorrow and pain to the feelings and dignity of the African people of this country.”

The SCA agreed with the trial court that: “Such conduct seeks to negate the valiant efforts made to break from the past and has no place in a country like ours which is founded upon the democratic values of human dignity, and the advancement of human rights and freedoms.”

I am a victim of crimen injuria. I reside in the Mondeor suburb of Gauteng. Our diverse neighbourhood reflects all races of the broader South African demographics. We celebrate the diversity and embrace each other’s backgrounds. Transition for some is however not on the cards. I have been called the k-word by my neighbour who works as teacher.

My letter is to sensitise your readers on what rights they can exercise if they are victims of this abuse.

The DOJ Equality courts welcome complaints. Courts for these are the Equality Court, the Small Claims Court, the Family Court and the Magistrate’s Court.

Make references to recordings if taken on cellphones. Also stress the fact that witnesses can be made available to attest in court.

Speak out. Many forums such as LeadSA, media correspondences in your area, schools etc need to be educated and sensitised. Director ICT, National Prosecuting Authority Mondeor