By Siyabonga Ntshingila ;

The ruling African National Congress on Friday said that it welcomed the verdict and sentences given to the so-called Reitz 4.

The four former students at the University of the Free State were charged with crimen injuria following an incident where domestic staff at the University’s Reitz residence were made to perform degrading stunts while being filmed.

The four all pleaded guilty to the charge and were sentenced to either 12 months imprisonment or a fine of R20,000 each.

The four, RC Malherbe, Johnny Roberts, Schalk van der Merwe and Danie Grobler pleaded guilty to the charges on Monday as per a statement read to the court by their counsel, Kemp J Kemp.

ANC spokesperson Jackson Mthembu said of the sentencing : “The decision to sentence these four, for a fine of R20 000 each or 12 months imprisonment is appropriate and befitting the crime they committed. This sentencing will also serve as a deterrent to any individual who seeks to undermine and humiliate fellow citizens on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion and social standing in the society”.

He also said the party welcomed the fact that the four showed remorse for their actions by acknowledging their guilt.