02 April 2001
The South African Communist Party (SACP) condemns the barbaric execution Ms. Marietta Bosch (a South African citizen convicted of murder in Botswana).
The execution of Ms. Bosch is a step backwards in our region's attempts to build and promote peace, democracy, human rights and socio-economic justice for all.
Whilst Ms. Bosch was convicted by a legitimate court in Botswana and that crime must be dealt with in an effective way, the SACP does not believe that the death penalty is an appropriate form of punishment. The death penalty is barbaric and cruel. It goes against the spirit of human rights and respect for life in a free and democratic society. As evidence shows, the death penalty is disproportionately and unfairly used against poor people in the majority of countries where it is used. And it is not an effective deterrent against crime. Evidence also shows that a significant percentage of those sentenced to death are actually not guilty. And once the state has killed these innocent individuals, it will no longer be possible to reverse the death sentence.
We call on the South African and other SADC governments to communicate our shock and anger at the continued use of the death penalty by the government of Botswana. We also call for the repeal of the death penalty in Botswana and all other SADC countries which continue to use the death penalty.
CONTACT
Mazibuko K. Jara (surname Jara)
Department of Media, Information and Publicity South African Communist Party
Tel - 011 339-3621/2
Fax - 011 339-4244
Cell - 083 651 0271