Lingering anger must not sway the parole committee

12 June 2014 - 02:25 By The Times Editorial
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Image: Supplied

Some members of the public have come out guns blazing in defence of the parole bid by Chris Hani's killer, Clive Derby-Lewis, while others say he must rot in jail.

The assassination of Hani 21 years ago is still fresh in many people's minds, and their anger should not just be dismissed.

However, we should allow the constitution to be the guide. The rules are clear. If there are valid reasons to grant a prisoner parole on medical grounds, their application should be "positively" considered.

If the facts on the table are that Derby-Lewis is a sick man, emotions should be put aside.

There are those in our body politic who have aired their emotional statements and have rallied behind a call that Derby-Lewis should remain in prison.

Yesterday, Limpho Hani, the widow of the slain South African Communist Party leader, said in a radio interview that she wanted to be consulted about the parole process. She said Justice and Correctional Services Minister Michael Masutha had failed to consult her. Though she has every right to be angry, she told the nation yesterday that all she wanted was to be consulted.

If the government is serious about upholding the constitution, it should follow the rules. It must consult the affected families and not allow factional politics to dictate the outcome.

If the parole committee feels Derby-Lewis should be released, its report should be made public.

The grudges and anger will fade over time. It does not help for politicians and others among us to seek revenge when they are dead quiet when one of their own is released from prison on the grounds of failing health.

The questionable circumstances surrounding parole granted to President Jacob Zuma's former financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, and convicted former national police commissioner Jackie Selebi are still fresh in people's minds.

The Derby-Lewis case should be looked at on its own merit, and if the committee says he must continue serving his jail time, so be it.

All we ask is for the committee to apply its mind, and not be swayed by lingering anger.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now