Hani-widows objection to Derby-Lewis release not founded

Front National is of the opinion that the objections by mrs Limpho Hani, widow of the former SACP Leader Chris Hani, against the release of Clive Derby-Lewis should be regarded as unfounded. Hani was assassinated in April 1993 and Derby-Lewis (78) is currently serving a lifelong prison sentence for his part in this act (see report).

The Minister of Correctional Services, Michael Masutha, announced earlier this week that he would recommend Derby-Lewis for parole.

Limpho Hani indicated in a press release on 11 June that she would object to parole because "...the minister let her down in not informing her beforehand of the possibility of parole before it was announced."

Front National rejects this statement emphatically for the following reasons

In the course of the last two decades, Derby-Lewis approached mrs Hani on at least two occasions requesting a meeting with her to allow him the opportunity to apologise. Mrs Hani refused this request throughout, thereby denying the prisoner the opportunity to give evidence of his complete rehabilitation. It can therefore be accepted that her statement is emotional in nature and should not be allowed to pervert the course of justice.

There is no existing precedent in the penal code of any civilized state where approval by the next of kin of a victim is set as condition for approval of parole. There is no such condition in the South African penal code either. Front National respects the judicial system too much to allow emotional motives, such as revenge and hatred, to influence the course of justice. The prisoner is rehabilitated, terminally ill, served his sentence according to the sentence  of court and is no threat to society at all any more. The legal process is to the benefit of society as a whole and should not be subjected to the demands of an individual.

 In the codicil to the interim constitution of 1993 (Act 200 of 1993) all parties involved in trying to find peace and reconciliation agreed that reconciliation will be supported by an undertaking that no revenge and retaliation will be tolerated in the New South Africa. Front National respects the essence of this agreement and regards the continued incarceration of mr Derby-Lewis in direct conflict with this agreement as well as the essence of the existing constitution. Front National urges the minister not to allow emotional demands based in revenge to obstruct the natural course of civilized justice and that of  universally accepted principles of human rights.

Front National is fully confident that the Minister will take note of the ever increasing objection against the further incarceration of mr Derby-Lewis and mr Janusz Walus and intends to continue with protest action until such time as both prisoners are paroled.

Statement issued by Francois Cloete, Front Nasionaal spokesperson, June 12 2014

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