SA court reserves judgment in Zimbabwe torture case

The Constitutional Court on Monday heard arguments by the South African Police Service (Saps) asking it to overturn a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling that compelled South African authorities to investigate alleged crimes against humanity which occurred in Zimbabwe.

The court's decision could provide "practical content" to South Africa's domestic and international obligations in terms of prosecuting crimes committed in any country where these crimes occur, according to the initial applicants, the South African Litigation Centre and the Zimbabwean Exiles Forum, who opposed the Saps's appeal.  

They also hope a judgment in their favour will provide a deterrent for perpetrators of crimes against humanity.

This follows allegations, that Zimbabweans perceived to be linked to Zanu-PF's political opposition, were tortured by government officials, in Zimbabwe, in 2007.

In 2008, the victims asked Saps and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to investigate the allegations, but both institutions declined.