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Police should treat all cases the same

IN AS much as we all support having the Blue Bulls in Soweto, which is noble in uniting people from different backgrounds, I have one concern: is drinking in public not an offence?

IN AS much as we all support having the Blue Bulls in Soweto, which is noble in uniting people from different backgrounds, I have one concern: is drinking in public not an offence?

People were walking long distances drinking right in front of the police. And there are pictures all over of white people drinking.

I was not at the stadium, but a close friend was arrested a few metres from his house after watching the game on TV and guess for what? Public drinking.

This happened at night in a residential area and not en route to Orlando Stadium.

Selective justice is what our authorities or the third parties involved are applying. All persons must have equal rights.

Selective justice reflects the degree to which people are treated with politeness, dignity, and respect by authorities or third parties in executing procedures or determining outcomes, irrespective of who it is.

There is one justice system for all, irrespective of the colour of your skin or whether you are rich or poor.

I am not advocating that they arrest rugby supporters, but there is an appalling tendency by the police. They are quick to attend to trivial issues. Arresting a drunk person on his way home is becoming the norm.

Drinking and walking seems to be at the top of the list of arrests over weekends. followed by drinking and urinating in public.

This is a period for widespread celebrations since the 2010 Fifa World Cup is here and, just like rugby, the people will celebrate in different ways and police cells will overflow. Bheki Cele might as well install televisions in all the holding cells around the country.

Sicelo Lata, Vosloorus

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