'Mob justice' for Oscar

The cacophony rising from Oscar Pistorius's "not guilty of murder" verdict suggests something from the Salem witch trials.

Journalists and authors have leapt into the fray, pontificating like oracles. They "know" he grabbed his gun in a jealous rage to kill his girlfriend.

They want Judge Thokozile Mapisa called to order because she found the state did not prove intent to kill?

This is a dark day. The lynch mob, I mean the group of "experts", has spoken.

Jackie K, by e-mail

I am not surprised Mapisa gave the verdict she did.

She commented on how distraught Pistorius was after the shooting, that he prayed to God and so on. That clearly struck a chord with her.

In South Africa today we have a culture that condones wrongdoing, provided it is followed with an "apology".

Look at government employees and politicians who are found doing something fraudulent and illegal. The "apologies" flow.

It is evident in court cases where the accused often receives a stricter sentence because he or she "did not show remorse".

"Sorry" is fairly meaningless and people must take responsibility for their actions and behaviour.

Tony Ball, Durban

Lest we forget, a person is innocent until found guilty in a court of law, which is where Pistorius was appearing.

This trial has highlighted that a lot of people are legal illiterates.

Mapisa's verdict was based on evidence and the rule of law, not emotions, opinions and popular beliefs. The state failed to prove its case.

Mapisa is a custodian of the law and is allowed to apply her mind, so let her be.

Zakes Nakedi, Ennerdale