Minister Of Justice Found Guilty Of Human Rights Violations

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY:
MR KOOS VAN DER MERWE MP
IFP CHIEF WHIP

January 4, 2007

Minister Of Justice Must Resign Immediately

The Minister of Justice, who was today found guilty by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) of violating fundamental human rights, should resign immediately, said the Inkatha Freedom Party's Chief Whip and Spokesperson for Justice, Mr Koos van der Merwe MP.

He added: "Today's verdict by the Human Rights Commission is a triumph for justice and for the hundreds of prisoners who have waited for some three years for their applications for presidential pardons to be processed by the Minister of Justice, who has failed to do so. The Minister's explanation that these matters were too complex for her is an open admission that she is incompetent."

The Human Rights Commission has ordered the Minister to process these applications within 90 days and should make monthly progress reports to the Commission.

Van der Merwe continued: "It is disastrous for justice, if the Minister of Justice, is found guilty of violating human rights and admits her own incompetence. She heads the country's judiciary which administers justice.

How can South Africa expect justice if the Minister is a violator of human rights?

"The IFP calls on President Mbeki to immediately dismiss the Minister from Cabinet, if she does not resign herself, and to appoint an incumbent who has respect for human rights and who is competent to deal with justice in our land."

In conclusion Mr Van der Merwe praised the Human Rights Commission for fearlessly doing what was morally and legally right, namely to protect the human rights of people languishing in jail.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr Koos van der Merwe MP: 082 444 4944
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470