If king does crime he must do time

Offenders are jailed as punishment for crimes against society. Prisons deprive criminals of their freedom because they must be made to pay for their crimes. Jail time also ensures the removal of criminals from society so they can no longer infl ict harm on law-abiding citizens.

In addition, incarceration is a deterrent for people thinking about committing a crime. Imprisoning criminals serves as a warning to would-be offenders.

Correctional facilities have another purpose: to rehabilitate criminals and turn them into law-abiding citizens.

It is for these reasons that we find nonsensical the call by the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) for a senior chief to serve Aba Thembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo’s 12-year prison sentence.

Contralesa’s call is so outrageous and absurd it should not even be entertained.

Dalindyebo has been convicted on serious charges – kidnapping, assault, defeating the ends of justice and arson.

These crimes caused incalculable suffering and pain to his victims and, for this, he deserves to be punished. He is taking his case to the Constitutional Court after the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal against his 2009 conviction.

Like any one, his right to exhaust all legal avenues must be respected. However, if the highest court in the land rules against him, Dalindyebo, not someone else, must serve the punishment meted against him by the courts. After all, it is him, not one of his chiefs, who committed the crimes.

Contralesa’s call must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. Our constitution makes it explicitly clear that we all are equal before the law.