Issued by: The Department of Justice
Following diverse reporting in the media on statements issued by, amongst others, the Freedom Front, regarding the hunger strike of Mr Willem Ratte and in which my possible involvement in his release, or my so-called unwillingness to concede in this regard, were constantly mentioned, I wish to put the matter in perspective.
Despite the fact that I am willing to discuss aspects of the administration of justice with anyone - including General Viljoen - it has to be kept in mind that my Department and I respect the inde- pendence of all the courts in accordance with the Constitution and that we cannot, neither do we want to, interfere with any judicial authority or discretion to prosecute persons. Mr Ratte was publicly charged by the prosecuting authority and was found guilty by a court of law and sentenced. The Executive Authority, of which I, as Minis- ter of Justice, am a part of, does not have the authority to inter- fere with the independence of the bench and cannot make this process null and void. It is not a case of us not wishing to concede to the requests of the Freedom Front in this regard - we are precluded from doing so. I have also been informed that an appeal relating to the case of Mr Ratte is at present been dealt with by his legal repre- sentative. As a result this process has also yet to be finalised.
Neither I, nor my Department, is furthermore involved in any early release of Mr Ratte. Releases are dealt with in terms of the Correctional Services Act and thus resort under the Department of Correctional Services, and as such have to be considered and handled by them.
ISSUED BY THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE 10 JUNE 1996
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