Former national police commissioner Jackie Selebi committed a crime, but Clive Derby-Lewis nearly plunged an entire nation into a civil war ("Hani killer fights on", August 7).

To grant him parole would open deep wounds in this country. We are sorry he is ill, but we cannot forgive him - and while that may not be Christian, that is the way it is.

If he provides a full disclosure, perhaps we'll think about it.

His crime was against the entire country. Let the medical parole board make their recommendation, but let the nation - or at the very least, the Hani family have the final decision. - Kgomotso Mogapi, by e-mail

IT'S clear the government wants Derby-Lewis to die in prison. His family should sue Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele for going against the recommendations of medical experts.

The government is abusing its powers and our legal system to look after its own (Jackie Selebi, Schabir Shaik) and wreak vengeance on others.

Derby-Lewis should be released. He is a murderer, but he should receive the same treatment others enjoy. Who he killed should be irrelevant. What he is refusing to tell could severely divide the nation if he did disclose it.

A man should be allowed to die in a dignified manner, at home with his family.