SJD1501- Assignment Two - Discussion Forum
Student Number:
Question One
Ubuntu is a Nguni Bantu term meaning “humanity”. It can also be translated as “I am because
we are”, or “humanity towards others”1 In a nutshell Ubuntu is based on peace, compassion,
love and goodness.
When a complaint is lodged at a Police Station, it is imperative that the details of the incident
are recorded. Victims should be treated respectfully, with love and care as the principle of
Ubuntu is more about showing empathy. Principles of Ubuntu ensures that victims are given a
fair and just treatment which should be dignified in order for justice to be served. Take a rape
victim for instance, much love, care, understanding, dignity and compassion must be shown
whilst trying to ascertain details of the incident which can lead to an arrest. The principle of
Ubuntu plays a vital role in giving victims a service more especially those who are voiceless or
those victims who can not stand for themselves who are seeking protection and justice. Some
of the most compelling point aspects in favor of Ubuntu deals with the broader interpretation
of fairness.
It should be further noted that the criminal justice system includes three main structures that
handle prosecutions from the outset through to conviction and sentencing at each point of the
trials, procedural protections are required to make sure that justice respects the interests of
the arrested and guilty and not the rule of law, which is simply the foundations of Ubuntu.
Question Two
My idea of justice is that every individual has the right to be treated just and fairly. However we
must also remember that the meaning of justice to some induvial is “an eye for an eye”, taking
into consideration that two wrongs do not make a right. Thus, the power of the law plays a
huge part in supporting fair and just treatment of perpetrators.
My main concern is the South African Police Services Act which governs the police services. In
terms of this act, Police Officers are suppose to upkeep the law by preventing and eradicating
crime. I have found that this is not the case. Having been a victim of a gross crime, I opened up
a case of fraud in 2019, I had sufficient information and proof for the investigating officer to
have the perpetrator arrested, but to date noting has been done. Not only was the evidence
that I supplied “lost” three times, but I am yet to receive feedback with regards to a progress
report. In the interim the perpetrator has continued to commit fraud. This is due to lack of
police officers acting timeously and not giving due importance to the matter. Upon my last visit
to the police station at 9 am on a Monday morning, I was greeted by the on duty police men
having a hearty breakfast, I had to wait an hour before I was attended to. Perhaps more stricter
1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_philosophy. Lasted accessed10/06/2021
Student Number:
Question One
Ubuntu is a Nguni Bantu term meaning “humanity”. It can also be translated as “I am because
we are”, or “humanity towards others”1 In a nutshell Ubuntu is based on peace, compassion,
love and goodness.
When a complaint is lodged at a Police Station, it is imperative that the details of the incident
are recorded. Victims should be treated respectfully, with love and care as the principle of
Ubuntu is more about showing empathy. Principles of Ubuntu ensures that victims are given a
fair and just treatment which should be dignified in order for justice to be served. Take a rape
victim for instance, much love, care, understanding, dignity and compassion must be shown
whilst trying to ascertain details of the incident which can lead to an arrest. The principle of
Ubuntu plays a vital role in giving victims a service more especially those who are voiceless or
those victims who can not stand for themselves who are seeking protection and justice. Some
of the most compelling point aspects in favor of Ubuntu deals with the broader interpretation
of fairness.
It should be further noted that the criminal justice system includes three main structures that
handle prosecutions from the outset through to conviction and sentencing at each point of the
trials, procedural protections are required to make sure that justice respects the interests of
the arrested and guilty and not the rule of law, which is simply the foundations of Ubuntu.
Question Two
My idea of justice is that every individual has the right to be treated just and fairly. However we
must also remember that the meaning of justice to some induvial is “an eye for an eye”, taking
into consideration that two wrongs do not make a right. Thus, the power of the law plays a
huge part in supporting fair and just treatment of perpetrators.
My main concern is the South African Police Services Act which governs the police services. In
terms of this act, Police Officers are suppose to upkeep the law by preventing and eradicating
crime. I have found that this is not the case. Having been a victim of a gross crime, I opened up
a case of fraud in 2019, I had sufficient information and proof for the investigating officer to
have the perpetrator arrested, but to date noting has been done. Not only was the evidence
that I supplied “lost” three times, but I am yet to receive feedback with regards to a progress
report. In the interim the perpetrator has continued to commit fraud. This is due to lack of
police officers acting timeously and not giving due importance to the matter. Upon my last visit
to the police station at 9 am on a Monday morning, I was greeted by the on duty police men
having a hearty breakfast, I had to wait an hour before I was attended to. Perhaps more stricter
1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_philosophy. Lasted accessed10/06/2021
