Fair justice must prevail

THE case of the two white farmers who are allegedly involved in the murder of their black neighbour must be thoroughly investigated for the family of the deceased to get any sort of justice.

As it stands, the fact that the two alleged perpetrators were given R500 bail each has elicited anger, and more questions than answers. This low bail is no comfort to the family of Muraga Mavula, the farmer who was hacked to death and his body run over with a bakkie as his 12-year-old son watched in horror.

While we acknowledge that bail is not meant to be punitive to an accused person, a measly R500 will not discourage anyone to take flight.

According to our laws, a murder charge is one of this country’s serious offences. One has to prove exceptional circumstances to be granted bail as bail is meant to ensure the accused attends their trial.

The anger from black farmers about the paltry amount stems from actions that can be seen to discredit the justice system. At least Mavula ’ s family can find comfort in the fact that their tragedy has now received the attention of government ministers since it was first reported in Sowetan last week.

By engaging the family and going on a fact-finding mission about Mavula’s case, ministers Senzeni Zokwana and Gugile Nkwinti have given the family hope that the life of their father and husband does matter. His death has already polarised the Brits area where he lived along racial lines.

Now black and white farmers are suspicious of each other as feelings of mistrust run high. This in turn will affect any collaborative efforts some farmers may have embarked on amid the claims of racism.

The ministers must ensure they follow this case and the prosecution of the perpetrators to its end.