The rule of law here and everywhere is a fragile instrument. It is capable of capture by ruthless politicians Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Jacob Zuma — PICTURE: GETTY IMAGES There is one book every South African, except perhaps Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, should read.Red Notice — How I became Putin‘s No.1 Enemy by Bill Browder has, as the title suggests, nothing to do with South Africa. But in many ways it is a cautionary tale that every freedom-loving local should turn to as a reminder of what happens when the rule of law is replaced by the rule of men.Perhaps President Jacob Zuma‘s affection for Russia‘s authoritarian president and his nuclear goodies is another reason to read this incredibly scary real-life thriller.But should Madonsela pick up a copy, she might have sleepless nights.She will be disconcerted to discover that, when the rule of law is upended by those in power, innocent people in high positions get bumped off to hide the massive abuses done ...
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