the monitor

Justice delayed is trust denied

At last, government has broken silence on the death of 13-year-old Retshephile 'Tshepi' Setso Tshedu. The Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa’s recent address although long overdue, was welcome.

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of investigation as proof that every detail was examined because a child’s dignity must be preserved.

Those words carry weight. Yet words alone will not console a grieving family. They will not quell the anger of a community that feels the system failed a Standard 7 pupil. And words will be worthless if this tragedy does not mark a turning point.

Editor's Comment
The real test is in the doing, not the saying

“Injustice anywhere is a threatto justice everywhere.”— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.We listened, and we want very much to believe him, but our belief will not be secured by fine speeches; it will be secured only by action.For far too long, there has been a suspicion amongst ordinary Batswana that the law has two faces; one for the ordinary man and woman struggling to make ends meet, and another, gentler face for the well-connected and the...

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