Umjindi Eye: Our criminal justice system appears to favour culprits

Debates have continued to rage on during January across Umjindi over the verdict that was reached by magistrate Thulisile Mthethwa in the panga-gang related case.

Mthethwa, of whom many local residents believe meted a lenient sentence to the gang, sentenced the five members to four months’ imprisonment and a fine of R4 000 each, which was wholly suspended for three years.

Local community members had a keen interest in this matter because they have witnessed in the past how people who had been arrested for violent crimes, were back on the streets soon after they had been in court.

The community’s frustrations seemed to be based on the fact that the police and the rest of the criminal-justice system appeared to be running a “true catch and release programme” – in which violent criminals are allowed back on the street soon after they had been arrested.

Both our organs, the SAPS entrusted with investigating crimes that threaten the safety and security of the community, and the other one tasked with upholding and protecting the constitution and the rule of law in the interests of a safer and more secure country – Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, have lately been heavily criticised for favouring criminals.

The locals’ protests during the days the gang had appeared in court to oppose their bail application, was another indication that the society no longer had trust in our criminal-justice system.

The butchering of people witnessed in Emjindini lately has become a grave concern. However, we can debate, agree and disagree with our criminal-justice systems.

But fingers should not be pointed to one single organisation as everyone needs to get on with the work of reclaiming Umjindi from the hands of criminals. This area cannot continue in the manner in which it is today, we as a public have the responsibilities to assist our criminal-justice system.

However, that which should give hope to all of us, is that “some” of the panga-gang members, who were accused of committing major crimes in Emjindini, were arrested, served days behind holding cells, appeared in court and made to account for their actions.

Richard.