South African courts to hear Zimbabwe rights cases

JOHANNESBURG- A South African court ruled on Tuesday its legal system can be used to investigate and prosecute citizens of neighbouring Zimbabwe for suspected of crimes against humanity.

The decision by a high court in Pretoria could prod South Africa into launching investigations into high-ranking Harare officials that would strain already difficult diplomatic relations with the power-sharing government in Zimbabwe.

The ruling applies to Zimbabweans in South Africa and could be extended to those who have travel plans to the country.

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