Sarah Pearl Burger (forensic lawyer, Fort Hare matter; alleges rights violations during arrest)

Sarah Pearl Burger is a forensic lawyer whose arrest in connection with the Fort Hare matter drew scrutiny during the commission’s proceedings. Minister Senzo Mchunu described her allegations as involving abuse and violation of her rights perpetrated by members of the National Priority Crime Task Team (NPKTT) during the arrest, with her detailed account of the experience set out in Part B of her statement. Counsel Adv Ngcukaitobi SC characterised her testimony as a harrowing account of what occurred at the hands of the task team. Her case became a focal point for questions about the conduct of investigators in that operation.