A harrowing realization has emerged from an in-depth interview conducted by Willem Petzer, shedding light on the escalating danger of genocide in South Africa.
The discussion features Mr. Edwin Leemans, a prominent figure from the Rome Statute Research Institute, who asserts that the country remains at Stage 6 (Preparation) on the Genocide Watch alert scale as of 2025. This alarming assessment, first noted in 2011 by Dr. Gregory Stanton of Genocide Watch, highlights a severe risk to specific groups, particularly white farmers.
Leemans, who personally invited Dr. Stanton to South Africa, played a pivotal role in presenting evidence that convinced the international expert of the imminent threat. The interview, part of a broader documentary on crimes against humanity, delves into the nuanced concept of genocide in the country. Leemans explained that the evidence, spanning over 3,000 investigated cases of farm attacks, reveals a pattern of brutal methods, including mutilation, sexual violence, and forced witnessing of atrocities by family members. He estimates that more than 80% of these cases exhibit genocidal or military intent, distinguishing them from common crime.
The discussion also uncovers disturbing details of state involvement. Leemans cited instances of military-grade signal jammers, costing up to $80,000, being used during farm attacks, suggesting a level of organization that points to state terrorism. He further alleged that police and government institutions downplay crime statistics by 60-80%, with missing case files and presidential pardons releasing perpetrators, including those convicted of heinous acts.
Political rhetoric has fueled the crisis, according to Leemans. He referenced former President Jacob Zuma’s songs, such as “kill the Boer” and “bring my machine gun,” as well as media campaigns like the Sowetan’s “reject white man’s justice,” as clear incitements to violence. These statements, he argued, reflect a genocidal intent embedded in government actions.
Legally, South Africa’s commitment to the Rome Statute, signed in 1998 and ratified in 2002, has not been fully implemented, Leemans revealed. He suggested that changes to the statute, including the addition of terrorism and sabotage provisions, have created loopholes that shield the state from accountability. This double standard is evident as South Africa pursues genocide charges against Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC) while evading scrutiny for its own alleged crimes.
The international community has taken notice. Leemans highlighted successful asylum claims by South Africans, including Brandon Huntley and the Kir family in Canada (2004) and Jason Bartlett in the United States during the Biden administration, based on persecution due to their skin color. He expressed hope for future action, noting a potential special envoy led by Samantha Power to investigate the situation further.
As the interview concluded, Leemans called for continued global awareness and pressure on organizations like the ICC and Interpol to address the crisis. With his extensive research, compiled over 30 years, and the backing of Genocide Watch, he urged independent NGOs and individuals to join the fight against what he described as a looming genocide in South Africa.
The world now watches as this unfolding story demands urgent attention.
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