They Committed The Same Crime But Only a Black Child Is Sent To Prison-SA Law Is Bias

There is a proverb that reads as follows: “Regardless of how long it takes, everyone will pay their debts.” Five years ago, a startling incident occurred when a Walter Sisulu University student was mistakenly given R14 million in NSFAS monies. Due to the expediency of paying students and ensuring that they have money for their allowance, this money was deposited into a have-only bank account. This student is identified as Sibongile Mani. She failed to notify the school’s financial aid office or the National Student Financial Aid System (NSFAS) that funds had been accidentally deposited in her account following receipt of the cash. She then spent the full cash. She spent it with her friends, purchasing showy stuff while concealing the source of the funds.

Regrettably, she was only able to flee for a little period before being captured. NSFAS was able to apprehend her and prosecute her for fraud. Her case had been pending since 2017, but she appeared in court yesterday and was found guilty. She was sentenced to five years in prison. Yesterday, her tale was the most discussed breaking news story of the day.

Following that, there was a response on social media, with many expressing their disapproval of Mani’s sentencing. Mani, it is argued, committed no crime because she just spent money that was deposited in her bank account by a third party. Numerous individuals have pleaded for justice to be administered properly. Some are even attempting to play the racial card, alleging that if Mani were white, she would not have been held, but justice would be denied her because she is a black woman.

For those who recall the year 2020, there was a story about a rugby boss named Jurie Roux being charged with the same offenses as Mani. Jurie Roux was accused of embezzling R37 million from Stellenbosch University and was the subject of a criminal inquiry. He was later compelled to reimburse the 37 million rands he had received and flee with his life.

However, it is peculiar that the black female employee at Stellenbosch University Mani is being put to prison for the same behavior as the white man, who was not condemned to prison. This has not been well received by Twitter users. They’ve been comparing and contrasting these narratives, and they’ve argued that justice should be implemented equally for all people, regardless of race.

Opinion

Mani’s legal representation, in my opinion, failed her. If she had retained a good attorney, she would have won this case and would never have been sentenced to prison. That is why I frequently assert that justice is a privilege bestowed on the wealthy. In South Africa, it is impossible to achieve justice if you lack the financial wherewithal to hire a competent, expensive lawyer. When I compare those two stories, I believe Mani was never adequately rewarded. Nothing can be delayed since the poor girl cannot be imprisoned for money that was not stolen; it was given to her. Something must be done, as the poor girl is incapable of punishment.

Source: https://twitter.com/sivexaluva/status/1509172636890406922?s=21&t=qc57Dw76ufy4ieppjOevMw

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