Hawks Investigate High Treason Allegations Against AfriForum Over Misinformation

South Africa’s elite investigative unit, the Hawks, has confirmed that they are investigating four separate dockets concerning potential high treason linked to AfriForum, a prominent Afrikaans civil rights organization. Hawks leader, Godfrey Lebeya, confirmed that the cases arose from allegations of misinformation related to South Africa’s controversial Land Expropriation Act, among other concerns.
The investigation follows a series of actions and statements by AfriForum, which has been vocal in its criticism of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) government’s land reform policies. The organization recently attracted international attention when issues concerning the rights of Afrikaner communities were discussed at the White House during a visit by AfriForum representatives and other organizations.
AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel has firmly rejected any allegations of wrongdoing and remains adamant that the ANC government must be held accountable for its policies, particularly the Land Expropriation Act. Kriel has been a staunch critic of the government’s push to amend the country’s constitution in order to allow for land to be expropriated without compensation, a move he argues threatens property rights and economic stability.
The Hawks’ investigation centers around accusations that AfriForum and other affiliated groups may have incited unrest or spread false information that could harm national unity. The contentions surrounding the Land Expropriation Act and associated political rhetoric have sparked tensions within South Africa, with some groups claiming that such moves are discriminatory toward certain communities.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will ultimately determine whether the evidence in the four dockets is sufficient to pursue formal treason charges against AfriForum. If the NPA decides to proceed with charges, it would represent a significant escalation of political tensions in the country, particularly given AfriForum’s influential role in defending Afrikaner interests.
As the investigation continues, the situation is fueling an ongoing national debate over land reform, minority rights, and the limits of free expression in the context of South Africa’s diverse political landscape. Both supporters and critics of AfriForum await the outcome, which may have broader implications for South Africa’s approach to issues of racial and ethnic identity.