Update on the Mpanza and Shange Trial

Rural Network Press Statement
Friday, 17 September 2010

THE MPANZA AND SHANGE TRIAL

As the trial of the alledged murderers of Thembinkosi Mpanza and Vukani Shange returned to court for the 20th time the Rural Network in KZN and Abahlali baseMjondolo Movement S.A were there to show solidarity.

Relatives, family members, community and supporters were happy to go to court and see the justice take its place.

When the two boys Thembinkosi Mpanza and Vukani Shange were shot dead on 2006 June 17, just a day after the National Youth Day, it took a long time for their case to go to court. The family members prayed that their children’s souls will not rest in peace while the victims were walking around the community like nothing happened after they were given bail of R500.00 for a murder charge. Since 2006 the families have been in pain watching these victims and enduring these victims throwing words at them claiming that nothing will be done to them. The two families have been patient because all they wanted was the law to take it place.

As the family returned to court today the accused, Phumlani Sithole, again said painful words to the parents of the boys saying he will work scot free. The family members asked what does he mean by that and he then ran to that police of which is known as his brother in law and said that he is been threated. The police then did not ask any further question but refered the matter to the magistrate and the family members, community and supporters were banned from the court.

As justice has been delayed and denied it always leave a question of how does the law work for the poor. After a long wait the family member were waiting for justice in the courts and now there are being banned from the courts. How will they ever see the trial of their sons. We feel like it is time the Minister Justice Mr Jeff Hadebe get involved to this matter and that he should it as matter of urgency.

The Freedom Charter says that South Africa belongs to all who live in it. The Constitution says that we are all equal before the law. But the reality is that some people own the land and others do not. The reality is that some people are being shot dead by farm watches and others are not. The reality is that the legal system takes some people’s lives to matter much, much less than others.

Our struggle for rural and urban land to be shared fairly and for all people to count equally continues.

For more information on this matter please do not hesitate to call:

Rev Mavuso
Rural Network Spokesperson
072 279 2634

Ms Bandile Mdlalose
Abahlali baseMjondolo General Secretary
074 730 8120
031 304 6420