Issued by: The Department of Justice
MEDIA RELEASE BY MR A M OMAR, MINISTER OF JUSTICE, RELATING TO THE MURDER OF MR L J BENNETT
Mr Omar has expressed his outrage at the yet another terrible murder and motor-car hijack that took place today. Apparently the killing took place in the presence of the ten-year-old daughter of the victim, Mr L J Bennett from Sandton.
Mr Omar stated in particular that:
"I convey my sincere condolences to members of the family.
"Whilst our courts are independent, and I do not have the right to interfere in the way they work, I wish to reiterate a call which I have made to our prosecuting authority to ensure that perpetrators of this kind of heinous crime should be prosecuted with the greatest possible vigour. No stone should be left unturned to ensure that justice is done. Courts have the power to refuse bail and should use that power.
"Everything possible should furthermore be done to ensure that the killers are arrested and brought to book. No mercy should be shown to persons found guilty!
"Again, whilst not prescribing to our courts, our courts should not hesitate to impose maximum sentences, so as to ensure that the public is protected and that we build up an effective deterrence to such crimes."
Issued by the Chief Liaison Officer of the Department of Justice on behalf of the Minister of Justice Pretoria 23 November 1995