18 September 2009

The Inkatha Freedom Party said today that it intends taking government to task on their failure to consider presidential pardons for two political prisoners who submitted their applications eight years ago.

The Rapport (30 August 2009) alleges that Mr Fusi Mofokeng and Mr Tshokolo Mokoena have been in prison for the past 17 years for so called 'political crimes'. They submitted applications for pardons in 2001, but are still awaiting feedback from the Minister of Justice, who is tasked with making a recommendation to the President after reviewing their applications.

"This is another classic example of the Department's incompetence and gross neglect of duty. This is a serious humanitarian issue as it constitutes a violation of the human rights of these prisoners. The IFP intends taking this matter further - even to the High Court if need be," said Koos van der Merwe MP, the IFP's Chief Whip and spokesperson on justice.

Van der Merwe added that government's deliberate lack of action is clearly a violation of the spirit of the Constitution and that the IFP is seeking answers from the Minister of Justice and his Department.

"The IFP believes that the degree of incompetence in the Ministry knows no bounds and this is why the IFP is still fighting for justice for 384 political prisoners today, six years after they first applied for pardon. We do not intend on giving up this  fight and will, through all means possible, force this inept Department to carry out its duties," added Van der Merwe.

Contact:
Koos van der Merwe,     082 444 4944 or
Liezl van der Merwe,      083 611 7470.