Speaker, may I ask the hon Minister; and if I could, I would also ask the hon Koos; but I can't, so to the Minister: Does he consider that the litigation by the IFP applicants for pardon, which has just culminated in the Constitutional Court judgment advising the IFP that it has been suing the wrong person, has prejudiced the prospect for pardon of other prisoners?
I have received correspondence from an ANC member who was given a pardon application reference number by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, and who argues that he is suffering because of the litigation brought by the IFP members who "do not meet the requirement". In his view, by contrast, he feels that he meets all conditions and was commanded by his leaders to commit the crimes for which he is imprisoned.
Sir, this letter was written in a state of despair and I would like to furnish the Minister with a copy. I'm asking this question, because, clearly, this is a deeply felt sentiment on the part of this prisoner in Kroonstad. I would like to ask the Minister what the prisoner avers. Does he consider that the litigation in the Constitutional Court has made life difficult for other pardon applicants?