This, according to a statement released by Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD). 

While the magistrate acknowledged that Cekeshe was indeed tricked into a plea; that there were discrepancies in the charge sheet, and that the applicant did not have a fair trial as the previous counsel was incompetent, Cekeshe remained behind bars.

F4SD said it was committed to peaceful protest action to demonstrate against the unfairness of Cekeshe's situation and pleaded with President Cyril Ramaphosa for his immediate parole followed by a presidential pardon. 

They also called on Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola to assist in expediting the release in the interests of fairness for Cekeshe.

"We have watched rapists and murderers walking away from the claws of justice on R1,000 bail and back into the community to continue with their atrocious acts – some of their cases are dismissed on what’s called a 'technicality'. 

"Cekeshe has already served time albeit the trial did not follow proper legal procedures hence we strongly believe he is eligible for parole," the party said in a statement.

"We call on both minister of Correctional Services and (the) president to consult with his consciousness and make this concession.

ANA