Historical atrocities do not justify wrong
published: Monday | May 26, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I DISAGREE with a recent letter writer in your newspaper who felt that that Winnie Mandela should be freed because of the Apartheid system that existed for decades in South Africa. It is very dangerous to use historical atrocities to justify a wrong. Taken to its logical conclusion such an argument would mean that any crime/wrong can be justified on the basis of another wrong that existed in the past.
Apartheid is one of the worst crimes against humanity. However, it was Nelson Mandela who used lawful and diplomatic means to rid South African blacks of this oppressive and wicked system. She ought to emulate her husband by being a role model for her people. Though very unfortunate, if Winnie Mandela was found guilty of a crime, apartheid should not be used as an argument against the law taking its course.
