Media Statement by Thandi Nontenja, MP and UDEMWO Secretary General

The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation has repeatedly expressed concern that South Africa’s justice system, particularly the parole system, is deeply flawed. The fact that a convicted murderer who is out on parole appeared in court on Wednesday in connection with the massacre of eighteen people at Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape is testimony to this deplorable state of affairs

According to Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority the man has two previous convictions for escaping from legal custody and murder (the worst of all crimes) for which he is out on parole.

Government must take full responsibility for the deaths of the eighteen people in Lusikisiki, as it is their parolee that was let loose on society.

It is evident that, in this country, criminals and suspected criminals often seem to have more rights than the victims of their crimes. While the Constitution guarantees that no South African shall be deprived of their freedom arbitrarily or without just cause, UDEMWO firmly believes that anyone who commits murder should forfeit that right entirely. From the perspective of the victims and a society plagued by violent crime, this is what true justice demands. Allowing murderers to retain their rights undermines the safety and well-being of communities already held hostage by criminal elements.

Furthermore, the South African parole system is in desperate need of reform. The actions of the Parole Board must be closely examined, and an investigation is warranted to determine how this individual was released back into society, leading to such a horrific crime.