The appearance of former Transnet chief executive Brian Molefe and former chief financial officer Anoj Singh at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Palm Ridge on the East Rand, show that some accountability is returning to South Africa’s criminal justice system, writes Stephen Grootes.
But Grootes worries that for many, the wheels of justice still turn far too slowly and there is little evidence that the system is working for them.
“Instead, the merciless data show that they are more likely to be victims of violent crimes than during any time over the past 10 years, revealing the still massive underlying police weakness and the emasculation of our state.”
Pieter du Toit writes (for subscribers) that to see Molefe and Singh in the dock at court is a joyous moment for the country and deserves to be applauded.
But he argues that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) needs to be empowered so that it can take bolder action against state capturers and bring them to book to answer for their actions.
Paddy Harper provides his humorous take on the court appearance of the duo along with Regiments Capital bosses Niven Pillay and Litha Nyhonyha, which he describes as a Saxonwold Shebeen reunion.
The Saxonwold compound was the Gupta’s base of operation in South Africa and is allegedly where many of the state capturers met to receive their marching orders from the family.
Here’s what else we’re reading today:
EDITORIAL: How not to run an impeachment committee – Business Day (for subscribers)
TOM EATON: Dear Mosiuoa and John, I just can’t cope with this lot any more – Business Day (for subscribers)
Qaanitah Hunter | Rumour has it that you should ignore Malema at your peril – News24 (for subscribers)
Carol Paton | Weighing up the risk of an ANC-EFF coalition – Fin24 (for subscribers)
Cope’s squabbles sad for democracy – The Citizen (for subscribers)
Image Credit: Former Transnet chief executive Brian Molefe speaks with the media, GCIS
