We all have the right to a fair trial

I JOIN fellow South Africans in commending the law enforcement agencies on the arrest of suspects, allegedly involved in a fatal attack at a KwaZuluNatal place of prayer and the placement of several explosives at various Durban shopping centres.

I thank them for their efforts to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and now we must allow for the rule of law and due process to take its course without any speculation, accusations and assumptions. To this end, I believe it is equally important to bring these suspects and trials to court swiftly.

It is crucial that, both during the investigation and trial, suspects must be treated fairly and have a trial without delay.

Unnecessary administrative delays, as in the case of Brandon-Lee and Tony-Lee Thulsie, labelled as the “Thulsie twins” terror case, deny the accused or suspects the right to an impartial trial that includes the right to a judicious and appropriate judgment. The Thulsie twins were arrested in July 2016 and are still in custody awaiting their trial.

In the fight against criminal or terrorist offences, those arrested, detained or charged, the process must be respected.

According to Section 35 (3)(h) of the Bill of Rights, every accused person has the right to a fair trial.

I welcome the arrest of the suspects but they must have the right to a fair trial, within a reasonable period of time.