Selebi Guilty: Zille notes verdict

The Democratic Alliance notes the verdict handed down today in the trial of former National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi.

The law has now taken its course.

That it is the proper way for the justice system to function in a constitutional democracy. It is for the courts to decide, after hearing all the evidence, whether a case has been proven beyond reasonable doubt.

It is now time for the many other senior ANC politicians, not least President Jacob Zuma, who still have unanswered questions about corruption hanging over their heads, to also have their day in court. These questions remain unanswered because charges against them have been inexplicably withdrawn. This leads to the inescapable inference that independent institutions have been politically manipulated.

Perceptions of the selective application of justice are incompatible with a constitutional democracy. If the credibility of the National Prosecuting Authority is to be secured, then it must pursue justice in every case without fear or favour. The cornerstone of our constitution is that everyone is equal before the law.

Statement issued by Democratic Alliance leader, Helen Zille, July 2 2010

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