Free State ANC tramples on justice

Silenced: Thabo Botsane’s arrest is part of a bigger story. Independent candidates in the Free State are charged and then labelled criminals by ANC councillors. (Ruth Hopkins)

WJP’s Ruth Hopkins reveals how several cases involving party members point to the political silencing of their often poor opponents. The main hall on the campus of the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein is called Equitas. Justice, in Latin. Outside, a towering silver statue of Lady Justice — scales in one hand, a sword in the other — gazes down on everyone who uses the steps. On May 29 last year, she must have frowned, or at least … Read more