By Hazel Memani
The possibility of parole for one of Chris Hani's murderers
has sparked outrage around the country.
IOL
asked:
"Should one of Chris Hani's murderers be considered for parole?"
Of the 411 readers who responded to our
, 55 percent (192 votes) said 'Yes', 33 percent (116 votes) said 'No' and 12 percent (42 votes) said 'Who cares?'.
Here are some of the comments submitted by our readers:
Steve
YES BOTH should go free, if the boot had been on the other foot, the culprits wouldn't even have gone to prison, maybe even been given a medal!
fed up
What they did was wrong but why must they be denied parole when scum savage rapists and murderers are given light sentences, come on Mr President you said you were gonna be hard on crime, wheres the death penalty, bring it abck and hang the savage trash!!!!!!!!
Graham F
If the law says they are legally entitled to parole then whether the victim of the political crime was well known or nor does not matter. McBride was granted not parole but a presidential amnesty for murdering innocent civilians not involved in politics at McGoos in Durban. This was worse in that those people were not military or political targets but were in the wrong place. Allowing the Hani family to decide is to me wrong since thay have an emotional feeling and this should not affect the law. Were the families of the McGoo victims allowed any input?
Cecil
I think that former PRESIDENT MANDELA was right when he said "Let us forgive". At PW Botha's funeral somebody said: BURY THE PAST OR THE PAST WILL BURY YOU.
Sihle
I have voted yes. If we are to go forward as a successful nation we have to be guided by our Constitution and the Rule of Law - and not our emotions. The killing of Chris Hani was wicked but if our parole laws say that these two men are due for parole so be it. We cannot be kind to our friends only. Sadly we have seen a lot of that lately and respect for our Constitution and Law has suffered badly.
Johan Van Zyl
I dont think anyone convicted for murder should be given parole.
Avner Eliyahu Romm
Of course. Both gentlemen who who did it should be immediately pardoned. The most logical thing for any group in the world whose demand were fully met is to free political prisoners who lost the struggle they were fighting for. At least that. And justice is useauly not at one side of a conflict (some US wars are/were an exception).
Smanga
Those thugs who killed Comrade Hani must rot in jail for eternity.
JD
Till the day I become a president, then all this superior colour madness will cease on its tracks. As we are busy typing this messages, he might be in the process of being released cos he is too white to be in jail. Thats why I dont blame Malema for being vocal cos what is happening now is utter nonsense, if you dont own a chicken farm or pig sty then your life is worthless, bull
Umlung'omnyama
I wish we can bring back death sentence. These guys deserver death sentence. They only served 15 years. Parole must only be considered once they have served 25 years. I once visited both of these men. When Derby-Lewis introduced himself to me, he proudly said I am the guy who killed Chris Hani, claiming that he is a political prisoner. I was very shocked to hear saying that so proud. Walusz was much more professional and rehabilitated. I hope Walusz you have completed your studies on International Journalism, you are now left with 9 years to go. Maybe by then death penalty will be back.