De Kock challenges us to balance empathy and mercy

The failed bid for parole by apartheid death squad leader Eugene de Kock must be seen as a positive in our legal system.

That De Kock was considered for parole at all tells us that the legacy of Nelson Mandela is alive and flourishing.

It is always a brave act if the victims are willing to forgive. It is not easy to let a violator of your person and rights go free, but as a nation it shows that not only are we willing to move on, we are not defined by anger.

The reasons the minister of justice and correctional services declined to let De Kock free are understandable and valid. We cannot impose our wishes and demands on those who were directly affected by his actions. As a nation we will never know just how deep the cuts are, the pain of losing a loved one in this heinous way. We can only try to help the affected families heal.

Minister Michael Masutha said he had received reports in favour of De Kock's parole bid, but the victims' families were not properly consulted. The families have a right to air their concerns and wishes about De Kock.

So far, most of the families have indicated their willingness to forgive and move on, but we must understand the pain of those who are not willing to forgive.

The case of De Kock challenges us to find a middle road and build a better country out of our ruins. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission gave us an opportunity to face our devastating and evil past. If we had not endorsed the TRC where would we be as a nation? As painful as it is , we should always seek to be better than our tormentors.

Mandela could have come out of prison a bitter man, but he chose the road less travelled and decided to build a better nation out of his suffering.

Those who say De Kock must rot in jail will always stumble to see the future. Rather teach your violator and abuser the art of forgiveness.

We hope De Kock has come to understand the value of human life.

And, if so, he deserves our forgiveness.