We support the public outcry and criticism from national and international legal experts that the Learned Judge erred on a question of law and that the Court got some questions of law wrong. We believe that the State has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt as required by law. The State has sound grounds to appeal against the ruling on a basis of an error of law.

The ruling creates a precedent and holds implications for the legal system and the prevention of violence, in particular gender-based violence and gun violence.

The ruling continues to cause a public outcry. The message of the ruling is most probably understood to reinforce a notion that women are treated as second-class citizens whose lives are valued less than that of a fly. 

It is critical that the State appeals the ruling for purposes of justice. An appeal will pave the way for a review of the verdict to ensure that any errors of law that may have occurred are corrected, where applicable. An appeal will ensure accountability and that justice is served.  

The petition will serve as an indication to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of the public's interest in the pursuit of justice and as a symbol of support to the NPA to appeal the ruling. 

We call upon those who are of the view that the ruling is not in line with the alleged crime committed, to endorse the "WE WANT AN APPEAL" Campaign by signing the online petition before 31 October 2014. The petition will be handed to the NDPP. 

Thank you.