Chairperson, I would like to refer the hon member to the response given by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development at a media briefing by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster on 20 February 2011.
At this briefing, the Minister indicated that:
...we are a constitutional democracy in South Africa and I want to repeat once again that Mr Dewani is going to receive a fair trial in the Republic of South Africa. He has the right like any other citizen that is protected and enshrined in our Constitution. He has the right to remain silent; he has the right to use evidence to challenge any evidence that will be put before him. Our judiciary is independent and subject to the Constitution and the law. Whoever says anything outside the court process is totally irrelevant. Presiding officers, being magistrates or judges, uphold the rule of law and they take a decision on the basis of what is being put in front of them.
Thank you.
Hon Bloem, any follow-up?
Not at all, thank you very much; I am covered. Thank you very much, Chair.
Recruitment of members who reported at 3 SAI military base in Kimberley to be integrated into SANDF and details relating to members of Khoisan, aboriginal and other movements joining the army 7. Mr M W Makhubela (Cope) asked the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether members who reported at the 3 SAI military base in Kimberley to be integrated into the SA National Defence Force have been recruited as intended; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether members of the Khoisan, aboriginal and other movements which are affiliated to the SA Cape Corps have been considered to join the army; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?