In a powerful open letter to Canada’s Governor General and government officials, Setsi Morojele, CEO of Morojele Music Group, has bravely shared his harrowing experience with the Canadian justice system. Originally from South Africa and adopted by an aunt in Canada, Morojele’s story highlights the profound struggles faced by marginalized communities, particularly within a flawed legal framework.
Morojele’s life changed drastically on February 14, 2018, when he was arrested after seeking help for a friend. The subsequent legal battles led to his wrongful conviction on multiple charges, including human trafficking. Despite a clean criminal record, he was sentenced to five and a half years in federal prison, an outcome that left him questioning the very foundations of justice in Canada.
In his letter, Morojele underscores the systemic racism embedded in the legal system, which he argues is designed to perpetuate cycles of incarceration for Black individuals. “The Western criminal system is designed to kill us Black people from the roots,” he states, reflecting on the devastating impact his incarceration had not only on him but also on his family, including his nephew and daughter.
Despite these challenges, Morojele refused to let his past define him. After being released on bail in September 2020, he revitalized his music company, discovering and nurturing new talent like the young artist Lil Kizzle. However, when a promising partnership with Def Jam Records emerged, his criminal record resurfaced as a barrier to success. “This is an excellent example of how the system keeps us Black men suppressed,” he laments.
Morojele’s recent appeals for justice have encountered significant obstacles, culminating in a denied application for leave to the Supreme Court of Canada. This denial has further entrenched his belief in the pervasive nature of systemic racism and bias within the justice system. In his call for action, he requests the lifting of all publication bans, emphasizing that only through transparency can the truth come to light.
Morojele’s story is a poignant reminder of the urgent need for reform within Canada’s justice system. As he fights for accountability and justice, his journey resonates with many who have faced similar struggles. It serves as a powerful call to action, urging society to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality and to create a future where all individuals can thrive free from oppression.
