"His statement last week confirms that both Tony Leon and the DA are prepared to conveniently ignore their fundamental principles in order to attract voters. How can a true liberal ever support the death penalty?" De Lille asked. "It is also immoral to campaign on this issue as they are lying to the South African public knowing full well they can never bring back the death penalty."

"This kind of behaviour is not new for the DA. They have jumped into bed with two different political parties over the last five years, with no concern for whether those parties' principles were the same as theirs. They have paid the price for their unprincipled behaviour." De Lille said. "South Africa is now in urgent need of principled political leaders and parties who will not lie to the South African public. No party can promise to bring back the death penalty as it has been ruled unconstitutional. A two thirds majority is needed in parliament to change the constitution and none of the opposition parties can ever hope to achieve that."

The Independent Democrats understands the frustration of ordinary South Africans who feel powerless against the unbearably high levels of violent crime in the country. "We will not lie to the South African public by telling them that we will be able to bring back the death penalty. We can assure the public that we will be tough on crime by committing more resources to improving our police, judicial and prison services. Tackling crime is a long term battle and one that requires all South Africans to play their part.  The ID looks forward to working with communities in stemming the tide of violence and crime in our society."