Is the life of a black man still so cheap in South Africa that his murderers walk free with a slap on the wrist and a small fine in an apparent dual justice system?

Is the life of a black man still so cheap in South Africa that his murderers walk free with a slap on the wrist and a small fine in an apparent dual justice system?

In yet another inexplicable sentencing, two farmers and their accomplices are now free after inflicting a mortal and savage beating, whipping and injuries on the private parts of a suspected thief, Allan Rapatsa, using pliers.

One realises the judiciary is independent and the government cannot interfere, but surely the justice system is sufficiently affirmed to start preventing strange bail and sentencing anomalies?

Suspects of horrendous crimes are released on bail. One must ask why many serious murder charges are only tried in lowly magistrates' courts?

Remember the botch ups in the so-called laundry murder case in a magistrates' court, which Gauteng MEC for community safety Firoz Cachalia recently assured us would soon be retried in the high court?

It is time justice is seen to be done without fear or favour.

South Africans deserve nothing less.

Brian Venter, Arcadia