PROBE CAPTURE OF THE JUDICIARY TOO

SEPARATION of powers is a constitutional principle that limits the powers vested in any person or institution. It divides governmental authority into three spheres: legislative, EXECUTHERE’S tive, and judiciary.

The rule of law implies that every person is subject to the law, including people who are lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and judges.

These principles were violated by the same people who were part of those in the forefront of “building” this country. There is no marked difference between apartheid and post-apartheid rule.

State capture did not start with the Guptas, it goes back to the apartheid period and even continues to date, with revelations that some white supremacists have captured the judiciary.

This is worse and more dangerous than what Zuma and the Guptas have done, but all unacceptable. This does not in any way justify the actions of the Guptas.

There must be a commission of inquiry into the judiciary, which Zuma should have instituted a long time ago. But I guess he was too simplistic and preoccupied with looting with the Guptas.

He would be stupid if he won’t latch on the capture of the judiciary by known white supremacists and open a can of worms when testifying in the current inquiry. These white supremacists are reported to write judgments for judges.

There can’t be laws that apply to some people and not to others. The law must protect everybody equally, irrespective of status. If the situation of respect for the rule of law and firm observance of separation of powers is not going to be addressed, they are going to be a source of unrest and revolution in this country.

SAM DITSHEGO | Kagiso, Mogale City