Statement by Vincent Smith on the Pietermaritzburg Judgment
23 September 2008
The African National Congress welcomes the decision of the Pietermaritzburg High Court delivered on the 12 September 2008 invalidating the charges against the ANC President Jacob Zuma. The judgment is a victory for justice.
Our Constitution guarantees every South African the right to a fair trail, which includes the right; to have the trial begin and conclude without unreasonable delay and; to be presumed innocent until proven otherwise;
The African National Congress has consistently asserted our view that this case and the manner it has been handled and commented upon, have subjected our president to the torture of public condemnation, and violated his right to be presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
The ANC extends its appreciation to the public, members and supporters of the ANC and the democratic movement who demonstrated their principled and disciplined support for the ANC President throughout this process.
I thank you!
Vincent Smith, MP
Tel: 021 403 3274
