As South Africa commemorates the death of Chris Hani, the former general secretary of the South African Communist Party, the news that his murderer, Clive Derby-Lewis, has had his application for medical parole turned down should be applauded ("Hani murderer denied medical parole", yesterday).
Hani is regarded as one of the great revolutionaries, not just by South Africa but the world. His murder brought untold pain to the oppressed masses of the country. The release of any of his murderers would add salt to the wound. They should serve their time in prison, like all murderers. - Kwazi Mthembu, Naledi, Soweto
- It is disconcerting to note the continued denial of Derby-Lewis's parole. He was involved in a heinous act for which he deserves to be in prison, and I have the utmost sympathy for the Hani family.
But we have staggering death rates on our roads due to the criminality of drivers, trigger-happy police and police bullies and convicted felons who are pardoned.
Why is a very sick man, Derby-Lewis, denied parole after serving 20 years but Robert McBride, also considered to be a freedom fighter, gets [pardoned] for political murders and was recently let off a drunk-driving charge? Criminal acts should be treated similarly . - Sue Johnston, Fourways
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