Speculation is mounting that President Jacob Zuma will pardon convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik and before Christmas too. This despite previous denials that it was being contemplated.
“Zuma not only has the power to pardon, he also has the power to return the R39.2 million that the state confiscated from Shaik — and expunge his criminal record — even though Shaik is his friend and was sent to jail for fraud and corruption relating to Zuma.” (iol)
Now as many of you recall Schabir was afforded medical parole based upon the recommendation of three doctors (by their mothers maybe) who confirmed that he was on the last leg of a terminal illness.
They forgot to mention that “last leg” when you have the bends (it’s a diving term look it up) shall mean approximately 33 years.
Of course the fact that genuine prisoners, who are terminally ill and qualify for this parole, are regularly turned down must not make you lot think that there are two laws — one for the rich and powerful and one for the rest.
It is in fact one law where the rich and powerful get to jump the queue, are favoured when they don’t even qualify and of course often don’t find themselves being prosecuted.
Of course many of you lot (don’t let me catch anyone sniggering) will be asking why Schabir even needs a pardon. After all he’s keeping his golf handicap up, buying property and driving his BMW.
That’s because you lot are stupid.
Schabir is almost a prisoner under house arrest who can’t even go out to fancy restaurants or play sport without some wanker telling the press. In your final 33 years would you like to be caged up like an animal?
Of course not.
The decent thing to do is to grant him a pardon and be done with it.
What should we as South Africans who have once again been shown the middle finger do in response?
Develop a collective national deafness.
When you are pulled over by a traffic officer who tries to get your details just repeat “pardon?” ad nausea.
When you are brought before a court and charged with anything just repeat “pardon?” ad nausea.
When the government wants to know why you don’t pay tax, refuse to pay for services or anything else for that matter just repeat “pardon?” ad nausea.
It will be our way of “celebrating” Schabir’s pardon along with the government.
Of course the government understands the “pardon?” approach.
When we called for the Scorpions to be retained they went — “pardon?”
When we asked for an arms deal inquiry they went — “pardon?”
When we said don’t release Shaik they went — “pardon?”
This list is so endless that to even attempt to try and set it all out would require years that only Schabir has left to live.
Besides in this wonderful era of collective deafness — none so deaf as those who won’t hear — we all get to ignore each other and enjoy unlimited freedom ie no freedom at all.
Pardon?
The only problem is that before I get to the second syllable of ‘Pardon?’ I’ll have been shot to kill.
If you think about it, that’s probably how we know that the metro who pulled over Nephew Juju probably did actually know who he are. Nephew Juju lives.
Cant you (lot) just for a change write something about ID, Azapo, Cope or DA for that matter?
For example, there was an issue not so long ago–which you know very well but decided to not bother yourself with it–about the DA making a big blunder with the BRT system in Western Cape…those arithmetic errors.
None of you (in this platform) dared to even pen it down in one line (whether as passing comment or just to reference incompetence).
To those who voted for these geniuses (ANC) and now complain about how absolutely corrupt and incompetent the majority of them are…Pardon?
I think we should start a national protest with PARDON. It would have better impact though if we wrote PARDON on a shoe and aimed it at select goverment ministers, starting with the President…
I’m beginning to believe that Karl Max was right in saying we don’t need goverments.
My experience is that they both don’t exist, but are there for academic purposes.
Looking at the whole saga one cannot help but realize that in the universe, man made laws don’t really apply but the laws of “Whatever works” the movie apply in many respect.
Are you telling me -as a lawyer- that the English version of “pardon” solves all problems I might have with my tax man or any other collector of money on my doorstep??
Or are you beginning to doubt the absolute integrity of the ANC?
Pardon me that was well written. Very true and very scary.
Does Shaik maintain his innocence, or did he maintain during trial that he was innocent? (seeking point of information, clarification would be appreciated)
When will there be justice for Mzwakhe Mbuli, who is innocent? Why is there no executive clemency for those whom the system has failed?
FREE MZWAKHE MBULI
http://WWW.MZWAKHE.ORG
(The opinions I have expressed are mine, and I do not intend for them to attributed to anyone else.)
Siphiwo Siphiwo -
If you really have anything meaningful to contribute, you are most welcome to, as are all of us.
http://www.thoughtleader.co.za/readerblog
I think the brazenness is what terrifies me the most! Next thing you know Schabir will be head of the planning commission in the presidency – I don’t think Trevor will last too long! Or perhaps the left will think it’s okay if Schabir becomes the prime minister (because he is not an Mbeki man and all) but no, wait – JZ may just have just one more top position in the justice or security cluster, deputy minister or DG. He must ensure there is absolutely no chance whatsoever that he will ever be charged for corruption – so even the smallest crack must be filled with “dead” cert – no pun intended. He will protect Schabir and Schabir will protect him and he will protect…………. He may even have to declare himself president for life because it doesn’t seem Schabir is going any time soon and he is going to need a lot of nursing and stuff so he can protect JZ – and so it goes! I could weep!
Siphiwo,
I note you said nothing about corruption reported by Sexwale himself that’s wasted R1.3b of all taxpayers money. I note you say nothing about the Eskom debacle and the government cover-up. I note you keep quiet about the debacle of no potable water in the Eastern Cape. And now I see you weant us all to keep quiet about Schabir.
All of which raises the question: who pays your salary?
Well if JZ does that then I think the Citizens will have to band together and bring a civil case against the president WRT the arms deal he was part of. In other words the world is watching and if he defies the laws of this country then he will be passing a sentence of guilty on his own head.
I thought this was about all you really needed to read.
My heart pumps lumpy custard. So who are you going to vote for in the next election, Traps?
Siphiwe always gives me a little chuckle – he can’t be taken seriously, but he brings light relief to our usually rather intense discussions around important issues. It’s good to have a joker in the pack even if he doesn’t know he is one!
Al, that is a very good question and damn difficult to answer – COPE seemed to be a solution and answer to prayer but they are on a downward spiral. The DA has a fine woman at it’s helm but she is let down badly by others in her party leadership and by some DA policy – the ANC has constructive, just policies but in the main, a “frot” leadership – I think I am going to have to go with Temba Gordi or Bantu Holomisa (sp??) – just wish there could be a meeting of the minds of Kalima, Trevor, Helen, Mbazima, Temba, Patricia, Bantu and a couple of others – perhaps even Gwede Mantashe & Matthews Phoza, Pravin and a few others would consider a different option – a fresh new multi cultural, racially diverse party with strong, fair, just policy would be fantastic for the country. I dreamed a dream! We trust in God!
Traps, from a legal point of view, If Zuma pardons Sheik does that mean that all records of what happend are legally destroyed and if fact Zuma will pardon himself too??
Hi Rose, i.r.o. our dear friend SS, did you read the article on the brown envelope journalism. I believe that there is a case here of – Bloggers for hire. Great work if you can get it. Work from home. Keep your own hours. Quasi logic an absolute must.
I wonder how fat the envelope is, and who pays for it, Chancellor House or Mr Tax Payer, oh silly me, they are one and the same thing when it comes to ANC Pty((very)Ltd).
Great article, Traps, I wish that we would use your advise just for one week.
Maybe a rally should be organized at the Union Buildings with protesters carrying banners requesting pardons when the issue comes to a head.
Siphiwe^2, We have to forgive you your utterances every day because we sympathise with your poor education, with your ignorance and even the odd prejudice. We choose not to forgive those in the highest office becasue they are our paid representatives and take an oath of office. It’s when they abuse our highest office for personal agendas, jobs for pals, undermining the judiciary then we have an issue worth opposing and commenting on. Government is less tolerant of us not paying taxes, traffic fines etc., although these are lesser crimes.
As for the DA on the BRT, a stupid error – not a crime! As for the ID etc, they are not in power and have not taken an oath of office. They are sworn in MP’s but what does that mean to any ANC sworn-in MP? Not much at all.
Is it possible that Shabir is tightening the screws on JZ? Schabir knows a lot about the arms deal, almost as much as JZ and maybe he isn’t very happy at being deprived of his cut. I imagine he wants the money more than the pardon, but judicial appearances dictate that he take the pardon first.
Pardon????
Siphiwo Siphiwo: Ah! But it is the ANC who has shut down the BRT in Jhb for lack of planning…why are you in such a foul mood? Did they miss your stop today?
Now, if Shaik gets to head some part of the security cluster and they can find just one more vacant space, the Shaik’s can all shake on it
Hey Neuren – let’s do the brown envelope thing – sounds fairly easy and as long as we keep on JZ’s good side, no chance of any prosecution or anything. Hell, what could we have to lose?
Hey, we have forgotten about Chippy Schaik who is lurking around somewhere waiting for his piece of the pie – or is that the security / justice cluster. Or maybe he will be our new Prime Minister – not being an Mbeki man and all – his appointment to that post won’t offend the left. Then we’ll have our very own Three Musketeers. That will be very jolly!
Rose, I think one of the prerequisites would be to select a snappy pseudonym to protect ourselves from ridicule in the real world. I have come up with a few ideas such as, Neuren Neuren, Confused_South_African, or, Facism Now!
Neuren, I think we should go with “Neuren Neuren” because it has a “Bafana” ring to it and I think that’s good because of 2010 coming up and it shows our loyalty and commitment to South Africa. K? Jokes aside, I am a passionate South African and want to see my country rise up and take her rightful place in history. I am just so frightened by the current leadership – damn shame really.