The Dewani anomaly

07 December 2015 - 02:01 By William Bowler, Cape Town

Most people will be satisfied that justice eventually prevailed in the murder conviction of Oscar Pistorius. However, there will be no further developments in our legal system for Shrien Dewani, who was discharged because the judge felt the prosecution failed to provide "a minimum of evidence upon which he might be convicted".When trials run their full course, the judgment can be appealed by either the state or the defence.By contrast, a judge's decision to discharge an accused on the basis of a finding that the prosecution's case will not prove guilt unless the accused incriminates himself, cannot be appealed to any higher court.I find this anomaly astounding. ..

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