‘OFFICIALS SHOULD APPLY THE LAW WITH RESPECT’

LOBAMBA – Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Sibusiso Shongwe said officials with power to apply the law on people, like Bhantshana Gwebu, should do so with respect.

He said such people should not be overly enthusiastic in effecting the law, but must exercise extreme caution. 
Shongwe was addressing the ministry’s parliamentary Portfolio Committee in Senate yesterday when it quizzed him on Gwebu’s incarceration after he had arrested and charged Judge Esther Ota’s driver for alleged abuse of a government vehicle. The judge was in the car when Gwebu did this. Gwebu languished in jail for nine days until he paid his bail. The case is still pending at the High Court.

The minister stressed that the dignity and reputation of the courts needed to be upheld at all times.
“Contempt of court comes in various ways. Judges are not supposed to be disturbed whether in or out of court. If an act is regarded as contemptuous the court finds a way of dealing with you,” he explained as Members of Parliament (MPs) listened silently.
He went on to say that if the offence was minor; the law enforcer should not go overboard with the power that they wielded.
“With power comes responsibility,” continued Shongwe.

The minister preferred not to speak more on Gwebu’s issue because it was still pending in court. He, however, was grateful that he finally had a chance to talk about it after other Cabinet ministers had been challenged to clarify it.

Early this week, MPs expressed concern that Gwebu spent time in jail even though he was doing his job without fear or favour.
Some castigated government for not coming to his defence and paying his bail of E15 000. Other MPs said government should issue a list of untouchables when it came to the law.   

Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi, a day after Gwebu had charged Judge Ota’s driver, Vusi Tsela, issued a warrant for his arrest.

Gwebu had slapped Tsela with two charges; using a government vehicle for any purpose other than that authorised without a written authority of a proper officer, and that of using a government vehicle on a weekend (Saturday).
Gwebu said he had found the government vehicle parked outside Sifundzani Primary School.

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