Death penalty: The parties and politicians who support capital punishment in SA

An angered community in Elsie’s River, Western Cape reached boiling point on Tuesday evening. Dozens of residents vocalised their frustrations to visiting President Cyril Ramaphosa, who had turned up to address locals following the murder of Tazne van Wyk, aged eight. Calls for the death penalty were deafening.

Death penalty calls intensify after Tazne van Wyk murder

Van Wyk was kidnappened, murdered and disposed of by Mohydien Pangakae – a predator with an illustrious criminal history. Ramaphosa told residents of the town that the parole system needed “revamping”, and apologised for the early release which effectively killed young Tazne.

No amount of restorative justice can bring the child back. But those in Elsie’s River are past caring about moral implications. In their droves, they are leading a charge to reinstate capital punishment for serious offences. Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC have always shied away from the death penalty – but others are more forthcoming.

Who supports the death penalty in South Africa?

African Christia Democratic Party: Lead by Dr Kenneth Meshoe, the ACDP are exactly what they say they are – a political party governed by religious principles. They have four seats in Parliament.

African Covenant: Even more theological than the ACDP, this party is an uber-conservative outfit that base their principles of those on the Bible. They say getting an abortion should be punishable by death.

African Transformation Movement: Mzwanele Manyi and co are convinced that the deterrent of death will curb crime rates in South Africa. They believe it should be introduced for “serial murders and rapists.”

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP): They are the most established, best-supported party that is currently making noise about the death penalty: The IFP says the country needs to hold a referendum on the issue.

Freedom Front Plus: Dr Pieter Groenewald suggested that his party would implement the penalty for those who kill landowners and farmers. This pledge was missing in their 2019 Manifesto, though.

…And, the ANC Women’s League: Fresh from calling for chemical castration for rapists, the ANCWL and Bathabile Dlamini said in September 2019 that men guilty of femicide should be killed as well.

And who is against it?

However, the Women’s League – and definitely Bathabile Dlamini – do not collectively speak for the ANC. On Tuesday, Cyril Ramaphosa again waved away calls for the death penalty, towing a party line which has been in place for 26 years. Both the DA and the EFF also oppose the notion, meaning that none of the top three parties in South Africa officially endorse death as a punishment.

“Death penalty!” locals chant. Pres Ramaphosa says Constitution states we have a right to life. Perpetrators should, however, spend the rest of their lives in jail, he says. “This man must never get bail at all. He must never see light of day again.” @TeamNews24 #RIPTazne pic.twitter.com/1nJ4rCXOXp

— Tammy Petersen (@TammyPetersen87) February 25, 2020