FREE UZUZОLE: JUSTICE, DIGNITY AND PROPER MEDICAL CARE

A Call for Compassion, Fair Treatment and Urgent Medical Attention for Uzuzole Goqwana

We are calling on the relevant authorities and the courts to urgently reconsider the circumstances surrounding the continued detention of Uzuzole Goqwana, a 22-year-old man who is currently in custody while facing serious criminal charges in connection with the death of former boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete.

We recognise the seriousness of the allegations against Uzuzole and the devastating loss suffered by Zolani Tete’s family and loved ones. We do not seek to interfere with the criminal justice process, nor do we seek to determine Uzuzole’s guilt or innocence. That is for the courts to decide.

However, being accused of a crime does not mean that a person loses their right to dignity, humane treatment and appropriate medical care.

HIS MEDICAL CONDITION

Uzuzole is wheelchair-bound as a result of a previous shooting that left him with a spinal injury. His legal representatives have raised concerns about his medical condition and his need for consistent assistance with basic bodily functions and daily activities.

Reports from his court proceedings have highlighted the severity of his condition, including difficulties with bladder and bowel control and his need for assistance. His legal team has also raised concerns about whether the correctional environment is adequately equipped to meet his medical needs.

A person’s disability should never become a reason for them to suffer unnecessarily.

WE ARE NOT ASKING FOR THE CASE TO DISAPPEAR

We understand that Uzuzole is facing serious allegations and that the State has opposed his release on bail.

Our petition is not asking anyone to declare him innocent.

We are asking for a fair and humane approach while the legal process continues.

If the court determines that he may be released on bail under appropriate conditions, we call for those conditions to be considered fairly.

If the court determines that he must remain in custody, we urgently call for him to receive the specialist medical care, accessibility, personal assistance and dignity that his condition requires.

OUR DEMANDS

We respectfully call upon the relevant authorities to:

Urgently assess Uzuzole’s medical condition through an independent and appropriately qualified medical professional.
Ensure that he receives adequate medical treatment and rehabilitation appropriate to his spinal injury and disability.
Ensure that he has access to assistance with essential daily activities that he is physically unable to perform independently.
Ensure that his detention conditions are suitable for a wheelchair user and do not unnecessarily worsen his physical condition.
Ensure that his medical circumstances are properly considered in his bail proceedings, alongside all other factors required by law.
Where legally appropriate, consider bail or another suitable arrangement with reasonable conditions, without prejudging the outcome of the criminal case.
Ensure that Uzuzole’s constitutional rights to dignity and humane treatment are respected while his case proceeds.
JUSTICE MUST INCLUDE HUMANITY

We believe in justice. We believe in accountability.

We also believe that justice must never strip a human being of their dignity.

Uzuzole is currently an accused person. His guilt or innocence has not been finally determined by a court. Until the legal process reaches its conclusion, he deserves to be treated humanely and to have his serious medical needs properly addressed.

We therefore ask members of the public to stand behind this call for proper medical care, dignity, fairness and compassionate consideration of his circumstances.

Signing this petition does not mean supporting violence, murder or any criminal activity. It means supporting the principle that every person deserves humane treatment and access to appropriate medical care, even while facing criminal allegations.

PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE

If you believe that Uzuzole’s medical condition deserves urgent attention and that his circumstances should be fairly considered by the appropriate authorities, please sign this petition and share it widely.