Publication: Cape Argus Issued: Date: 2008-01-06 Reporter: Editorial

Let Justice Take Its Course

 

Publication 

Cape Argus
Date

2008-01-06
Reporter Editorial

Web Link

www.capeargus.co.za

 

One would have thought that having said it before, it would not be repeated. But it has been, by the same voice: that blood will spill *1 when Jacob Zuma is brought to court.

Whether the Cosatu leader in KwaZulu-Natal, Zet Luzipho, meant it as a warning of explosive emotions rather than a means to agitate, is important. We trust it was a commentary on the intense climate among Zuma supporters.

But forecast or not, chilling warnings of chaos like this have no place in democratic South Africa. What might be meant as a caution about passions will be misinterpreted and the prophecy will become self-fulfilling.

What happened at Polokwane in December was unruly, but it was open and democratic. Now there is the dismal possibility that a victory for democracy will lapse into violence. What Luzipho and other leaders should be doing in the months ahead, of course, is calming their constituencies.

They should also consider the point by two highly credentialled jurists, Arthur Chaskalson and George Bizos, effectively that the National Prosecuting Authority takes a matter to court and presents its case. But it is up to the presiding officer to decide guilt. And there is no reason to believe this will not be scrupulous.

By claiming "unfair trial" at every turn, the shouters are dabbling in dangerous play, exposing the independence and standing of the courts to lasting damage.

With acknowledgements to Cape Argus.


*1      This agitator did not only say that blood would be spilt, but that blood would be spilt in the courtroom.

Who's blood? The prosecutors', the investigators', the witnesses', the assessors', the judge's?

This fighting talk amounts sedition *2.

This and any future instances need to be met with the full force of the law.


*2      Sedition is conduct, such as speech and organization ,  tending toward insurrection against the established order. Sedition  includes subversion of a constitution and incitement of discontent (or resistance) to lawful authority.

Refer :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedition