Khanya Cekeshe lawyer: Lamola was silent when I contacted him
The lawyer for jailed Fees Must Fall activist Khanya Cekeshe says Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola remained silent when he was asked for help.
“I am not badmouthing the minister, he could've jump on the ship much sooner when I started asking around for pardon,” said Cekeshe’s lawyer Wikus Steyl on Tuesday.
This after Lamola said his department is in the process of assisting with an application for a presidential pardon.
Cekeshe has filed an application to review the Johannesburg Magistrate Court’s decision to deny him leave to appeal his conviction and sentence.
Steyl said that the application, including his bid to be granted bail will be heard by next week.
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In 2017, Cekeshe was sentenced to eight years in jail - with three years suspended - for malicious damage to property after he was found guilty of torching a police car during Fees Must Fall protests.
“It’s a bit premature. The legal process and the appeals need to be finalized first before the pardon can be granted,” said Steyl.
He said that they have filed legal documents to Lamola, in a bid to start the process.
“The truth is, since February or March this year I have been sending letters and emails to the President and the Minister, and to anyone who want to listen to this pardon. Only after the outcome the Minister contacted me and offered his assistance in the appeal. I’ve been trying for months for the request for the pardon.”