Johan Nel's appearance in Swartruggens Court 11-03-08

 

Cosatu North West Press Statement on Johan Nel's appearance in Swartruggens Court

The Congress of South African Trade Unions strongly condemns the delaying tactics by the judicial system on the matter of Johan Nel, who publicly killed the people of Skielik in Swartruggens on 14 January 2008. Today is 11 March 2008 and there has still been no action against a young white boy who has destroyed the lives of poor people.

It is clear in our mind that are some in the Department of Justice who want to manipulate the system or the court proceedings. Nel must come back from the mental checkup and be sentenced to jail. On 12th February 2008 the public, the victims and the families were told that a mental checkup takes thirty days. It cannot be correct for the state to try to play delaying tricks in the matter. We want Johan Nel in court on the 13th March 2008

The federation rejects strongly the court proceeding in the absence of Nel. We want him at the court on 13th March 2008 and demand that the matter must be referred to the High Court as a matter of urgency.

We call upon all Cosatu members, civil society and the rest of the people to continue to be at Swartruggens court on 13 March 2008 for solidarity support to the poor people of Skielik.

The media is invited to the court at Swartruggens.

For more information feel free to call Comrade Solly Phetoe, COSATU NW Provincial Secretary, on 082 304 4055