SA applies equality in justice selectively
By contrast, we have the Ministry of Justice publicly 'naming and shaming' fraudsters

EDITOR – Given the mysterious nature and the extent of what is euphemistically referred to as ‘tender collusion’ within the construction industry in South Africa, I believe it is in the public interest that a judicial commission of enquiry be established.
We are after all talking about fraud, a criminal offence, committed on a grand scale, yet kept under wraps.
My concern is that, while we proudly and frequently proclaim our status as a constitutional democracy, practising equality and justice for all, it seems we apply these principles selectively. On the one hand, we have construction industry fraud, no doubt involving hundreds of perpetrators, apparently absolved from prosecution and free to indulge in further nefarious scheming. To make matters worse, the various industry professional governing bodies have maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
By contrast, we have the Ministry of Justice publicly ‘naming and shaming’ fraudsters, many of whom are currently serving lengthy prison sentences. In the circumstances, would justice and fair play not be served by allowing such persons to negotiate a deal, at the very least in the form of a fine or shortened sentence, or even a full pardon?
In the meantime may I be so bold as to suggest that prospective construction industry clients should apply fresh procedures and standards to protect their interests from sundry ‘skelms’ who may be lurking in the wings. These can easily be written in to contracts, tender documents and scopes of work.
JEFF VAN BELKUM