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Media Statements
Justice Department welcomes the Equality Court Judgement against Vicky Momberg
12 June 2017
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) welcomes the Equality Court judgement handed to Vicky Momberg in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court for verbally assaulting police Constable Clement Mkhondo.
The Court awarded damages of R100 000 to Constable Mkhondo for the 2016 incident that was caught on video. In the video, Momberg is heard racially abusing Constable Mkhondo who had come to her assistance after she became the victim of a smash-and-grab robbery in Johannesburg. The Court further ordered Momberg to attend a programme of integrated community service and sensitivity training administered by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
The Department is satisfied with the judgement meted to Momberg and believes that it will serve as deterrence for potential racist behaviour. The judgement is viewed positively in the wake of the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill which was approved by the Cabinet for public comment on 19 October 2016. The Bill seeks to, among other things, criminalise hate crimes and hate speech and to put in place measures to prevent and combat these acts. It also provides for appropriate sentences that may be imposed on persons who commit such offences.
Racism has no place in South Africa. The Department is committed to uprooting this scourge from society and to put an end to the vicious incidents of intolerance and racism.
Issued by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
Enquiries:
Mthunzi Mhaga
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services
0836418141
Mediaenquiries@justice.gov.za