The South African government has begun a formal withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, after beginning official proceedings according to media reports.
An "Instrument of Withdrawal" document has been signed by South Africa's foreign minister and sent to the United Nations, report several media outlets, who have obtained copies of the document.
"The Republic of South Africa has found that its obligations with respect to the peaceful resolution of conflicts at times are incompatible with the interpretation given by the International Criminal Court," it says.
The move has been criticised by Human Rights Watch with Africa division senior researcher Dewa Mavhinga saying it "shows startling disregard for justice from a country long seen as a global leader on accountability for victims of the gravest crimes".
"It's important both for South Africa and the region that this runaway train be slowed down and South Africa's hard-won legacy of standing with victims of mass atrocities be restored," Mr Mavhinga added.
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