Victims sue South African government over 1961 Sharpeville massacre that left 91 dead
Survivors of the 1960 Sharpeville massacre are suing the South African government for damages related to the apartheid-era shooting. The incident, where police fired on peaceful protesters, remains a pivotal moment in the fight against apartheid.
Why it matters
This legal action represents a broader trend of seeking accountability and reparations for historical human rights abuses committed during the apartheid regime.
Protesters flee after police opened fire on a peaceful crowd in Sharpeville on 21 March 1960. At least 91 people were killed and 238 injured. Photograph: Ian Berry/c/o Atlas Gallery Protesters flee after police opened fire on a peaceful crowd in Sharpeville on 21 March 1960. At least 91 people were killed and 238 injured. Photograph: Ian Berry/c/o Atlas Gallery South Africa Victims sue South African government over 1961 Sharpeville massacre that left 91 dead Claim relating to infamous apartheid-era shooting of protesters part of wave of litigation for apartheid-era crimes
Prefer the Guardian on Google The day dawned brightly on 21 March 1960, as residents of the South African township of Sharpeville gathered to protest against pass laws, which forced “Black, Indian and Coloured” South Africans to carry documents at all times specifying where they were allowed to be.
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