Citizen Online
Monday, November 20, 2006
By Cedric Mboyisa
JOHANNESBURG - The five-year jail sentence meted out to 22-year-old Kabelo Thibedi, who held a Home Affairs official hostage out of frustration over not receiving his identity document for years, is ridiculous and proves the country's justice system is crazy.
This is according to Young Communist League of South Africa national secretary Buti Manamela.
He was addressing the media yesterday on his organisation's view on the verdict that has drawn an outcry from the public, demanding the young man be punished by means of community service, not time behind bars.
"The sentence is unacceptable," said Manamela.
"Thibedi had no intention of hurting anyone, he used a toy gun and he was frustrated for not getting his ID.
"We believe he should have not been sentenced to anything at all. The guilty ones are lazy Home Affairs workers who get off scot-free - they must go to jail," said Manamela.
Thibedi, accompanied by his mother Esther Zwane, who is being treated for depression, was present at the briefing. He said he still hadn't received his ID back from the police, since it was confiscated during the trial.
He hoped this appeal would be successful.
Manamela said they would mobilise the youth to picket outside the Appeal Court, calling for leniency.
They had written to National Prosecuting Authority director Vusi Pikoli, and were corresponding with President Mbeki, Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla and Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour on the case.
The league has committed to embarking on a community service on November 28 with Thibedi, visiting schools, houses and churches, and explaining how and where to apply for identity documents.
They are also helping set up a trust fund to foot Thibedi's legal bill.
"We are also calling upon the hostage victim to forgive Thibedi. This would go a long way toward reconciliation and nation-building," said Manamela.