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Laager mindset must stop

Bigots who still embrace the evil principles of apartheid by targeting others simply because they are black, have no place in this country.

Bigots who still embrace the evil principles of apartheid by targeting others simply because they are black, have no place in this country.

This was the message this week from Pretoria magistrate Len Kotze when he sentenced four white men for the murder of a homeless black man and the assault on another in December 2001.

Christoff Becker, Frikkie du Preez, Gert van Schalkwyk and Reinach Tiedt had not shown an ounce of regret or a shred of humanity for their callous deed, Kotze said.

It was a cruel murder committed by four cowards, he said before passing sentence.

The four are not serving their time yet after they were granted leave to appeal and had their bail extended.

But Kotze's sentiments should send a clear message to all and sundry: racial intolerance is an aberration in a democratic South Africa.

Those who still live in the laager and continue with their racist attitudes should be put where they belong - in jail.

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