YOUNG MINDS SPEAK ON THE PISTORIUS JUDGEMENT

By: Lethu Nxumalo
Following months of uncertainty, Judge Thokozile Masipa finally delivered her verdict in the Oscar Pistorius trial.
The trial was the first in South Africa to be broadcast live and to have a channel dedicated to it. The world watched together with grieved South Africans who cried for Reeva Steenkamp’s life that was cut short.
The world saw and felt the anxiety of those who were in the Pistorius corner, wanting the Paralympian champion to walk free.
When it came to the crunch, many were shocked and disappointed when the judgement was read. Social media went wild and all wanted to be heard..
Students at the Durban University of Technology, City Campus were, asked to share their opinions on the judgement and on the fact that Pistorius was allowed to compete professionally while waiting for sentencing.

Zimasa Magudu, 3rd Year Journalism Student : “I think that it is important for us as South Aficans and everybody else who has been following to respect the rulong that was given by Judge Thokozile Masipa .
As much as there was an outcry on social networks, I think it is important to understand the fact that this is law. It is law versus our own understanding and we are judging him with our opinions. The other important thing is to understand that Gerrie Nel and Berry Roux did their part.
I think that we should all relax- we should respect the South African constitution and we should respect the law.”

Trent Sukdeo, 2nd Year Graphic Design student: “Obviously there was a lot of media exposure on this- the world was interested. However, I do feel it was dragged out for too long.
In my opinion I feel the judgement was wrong. At the end of the day he took a life, whether it was an accident or not. I feel he has not paid the price yet. He has been through a lot but I feel he still needs to be punished. Everyone has to learn from their mistakes and I feel he hasn’t learned from this.
When it comes to the issue of him being allowed to now compete, that is his livelihood. It shouldn’t be necessarily taken away from him. But with that being said, it goes back to what I said earlier about his punishment- he should be banned for a while or pay a massive fine. “

Karla Nixon, Masters student and Lecturer’s Assistant: “I was not following the trial- I only know what people were talking about because I do not have television, I don’t read newspapers and I don’t listen to the radio.
I’ve been in conversations with people who were following and gathered that Oscar was in court and that there was some verdict and that there is a sentencing some time. The case does not interest me and it is not part of my life.
I find it odd that he is now free to compete. I doubt that he could but maybe he will. He should feel so ashamed and if he doesn’t then there’s something really wrong with him. His whole life has been turned on its head. You can’t really stop a man from running.”

Kurina Govender, Graphic Design extended programme student: “Most of the time when crime happens to women it is not taken seriously. Not many people pay attention to women and their cries.
When it comes to Oscar, if you’re going to shoot you need to see what you are shooting at. You can’t go around shooting everybody. You could kill a child for all you know if you randomly shoot. I think he should go to prison for a long time. He should have been found guilty of all the charges.
He does have the right to work and earn a living for himself but I think there should be a probation period first where he won’t be allowed to be around any guns or women.
Not everyone will feel safe around him. I wouldn’t feel safe if I were to work with someone that I know shot his girlfriend, someone he was supposed to love. Maybe they should put him on probation for a couple of years.

Philani Majozi, 2nd Year Fine Arts student : “I was not really interested in the murder case. With him being allowed to work, I think it isn’t fair and it is not right. He has to face the consequences not be free to do what he wants to do. He must go to jail and this is clear when one compares his case to Jub Jub’s .”
Judge Masipa has set aside October 13 to 16 for sentencing.
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