The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has noted that Mr Oscar Pistorius has been granted bail in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act as Amended.
“As the Commission, we respect the right of the court to come to such a decision. It is the constitutional right of every human being to be granted bail in a situation where such exceptions exist. Under our laws, everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty” said Mr Mfanozelwe Shozi, the Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality.
The purpose of a fair trial is to ensure that justice is delivered for both the accused and the victim.
The Commission hopes that the accused Mr Pistorius will adhere to the conditions of his bail and be back in court to see the trial to its conclusion. The Steenkamp family deserves no less than a fairly executed trial.
“We hope that the state in preparing for this case will up its game to ensure that people’s confidence in the justice system is enhanced, especially for victims and the survivors of violence and gender based crime”
The CGE urges all South Africans to join hands in fighting the scourge of violence, and in particular, gender based violence. We need consented efforts in addressing masculinity and patriarchy in order to eradicate scourge of violence and gender based crimes.
The CGE will continue to monitor the case of Mr Pistorius.
