Zepha Reports McKenzie to ICC

The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holders Association (Zepha) has lodged an official criminal complaint against South Africa's Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie with the International Criminal Court (ICC). The complaint accuses McKenzie of being personally responsible for several crimes against humanity committed against African foreign nationals in South Africa. McKenzie is also the leader of the Patriotic Alliance. The complaint cites McKenzie's public statements and actions that allegedly incited xenophobic violence. Zepha argues that McKenzie's rhetoric has contributed to a climate of hostility and attacks against foreign nationals. The ICC has not yet confirmed whether it will investigate the complaint. The core vulnerability is the potential for the ICC complaint to escalate diplomatic tensions between South Africa and Zimbabwe.