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The Inkatha Freedom Party said today that it intends taking government
to task on their failure to consider presidential pardons for two
political prisoners who submitted their applications eight years ago.

The Rapport (30 August 2009) alleges that Mr Fusi Mofokeng and Mr
Tshokolo Mokoena have been in prison for the past 17 years for so
called 'political crimes'. They submitted applications for pardons in
2001, but are still awaiting feedback from the Minister of Justice,
who is tasked with making a recommendation to the President after
reviewing their applications.

"This is another classic example of the Department's incompetence and
gross neglect of duty. This is a serious humanitarian issue as it
constitutes a violation of the human rights of these prisoners. The
IFP intends taking this matter further - even to the High Court if
need be," said Koos van der Merwe MP, the IFP's Chief Whip and
spokesperson on justice.

Van der Merwe added that government's deliberate lack of action is
clearly a violation of the spirit of the Constitution and that the IFP
is seeking answers from the Minister of Justice and his Department.

"The IFP believes that the degree of incompetence in the Ministry
knows no bounds and this is why the IFP is still fighting for justice
for 384 political prisoners today, six years after they first applied
for pardon. We do not intend on giving up this fight and will,
through all means possible, force this inept Department to carry out
its duties," added Van der Merwe.