JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED

Jabu Rakwena AZAPO national spokesperson

By Jabu Rakwena
AZAPO National Spokesperson

I adhere to the maxim “justice delayed is justice denied” as it indicates that a delay in the administration of justice does not apply to the accused person only but also to those affected by the crime in question.

The delay affects witnesses in that their memories regarding the the details of the crime tend to fade the longer the case is delayed.

It’s been more than 18 years and still there is no end in sight regarding the Jacob Zuma/ Thales corruption trial.

There is another element to this; a culture being practiced by the ANC of undermining the rule of law; refusal to subject themselves to the standards applicable to all of us.

An example here is the protection from law-enforcement institutions and Parliament that President Ramaphosa enjoys.

It’s a shame that the courts have to intervene to resolve affairs of spoilt, grown up men and women who are unable to handle State affairs.

We have politicians who have abdicated their duty of accountability and transparency.

The case of of Zuma, Ramaphosa and many other politicians are putting a test on our rule of law.

The test is whether the rule of law shall succumb to political influence at the expense of accountability.

Many of our politicians have lost their moral compass and would resort to technicalities and political clout to avoid accountability and being subjected to the rule of law.

Ordinary citizens must stand up and call upon the judiciary and the courts to jealousy guard their independence and defend the rule of law without fear or favour.

We are all equal before the law; that’s what the Constitution declares.