204: Getting Away with Murder

The Film went on the circuit sometime last year or at the beginning of the year, it was shown in select cinemas, unfortunately the cinemas in my so-called city were not apart of the lucky few. Such an important film about the system in South Africa and how it has failed so miserably had been left largely ignored.

The 204 referred to in the title is a reference to section 204 of the South African Criminal Procedure Act which states that the prosecution can enter into agreement with the accused that in exchange for a truthful testimony, the accused will be exempt from prosecution. The film is essential viewing for students of Law right across the world even if it is purely for comparative purposes. It portrays the flaws in the South African justice system perfectly using the Brett Kebble murder case as the prime example.

If there is one thing that bothers me about this film is that it will fade into obscurity, become largely forgotten, much like the murder case it refers to; However filthy South African trash thinly veiled as comedies will be remembered. It's a shame really.