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According to Times Live, with the ANC not being represented, "Acting chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng ... said the show would have been 'unbalanced'."
He's also reported as refuting accusations of political interference and censorship.
There are many people who might question whether "balance" has ever been a priority at the SABC; more than a few people view the national broadcaster as little more than a government mouthpiece - or a mouthpiece for whatever faction is currently ruling the roost in government, at any rate.
It has been accused more than once of acting against those who don't appear to "toe the line'.
Magistrate Brian Nemavhidi told Maarohanye and co-accused Themba Tshabalala: "All is not lost, the two of you are still young and you do not have any previous convictions."
Four parents have lost, however... Their children. And two other parents must live with the burden of caring for their children, now brain-damaged, for the rest of their lives.
It's not difficult to see how they might feel they have been "short-changed" by our justice system.