Crime in our society is real. The time has come to declare a state of emergency against perpetrators before the current situation escalate beyond proportion. Communities (especially in Gauteng) have allowed crime to be deeply entrenched and have accepted it as part of the norms. I grew up in a peaceful environment, Limpopo that is. In my community nobody gets away with murder. Whenever we hear a gunshot or a call for help, we go out to the streets, not that it is policy, but an act of humanity. Law enforcement urgencies will arrive and find half of the job done. This goes in tandem with the government theme; Together we move South Africa forward. Migration brought me to Gauteng and I was baptized by this scourge of robbery, but I managed to escape with only a scar which will always remind me that crime is rife in our society. I was shocked by the manner in which everything unfolded. It happened in the city, in the full view of the people - who did nothing. At that time, with all my background, it was fair for me not to comply with any act of criminality. Soon I went to the Vaal and witnessed how a student was beaten and robbed off his laptop and cellphone. This time I was one of the spectators - who watched and did nothing. Thereafter perpetrators didnt even fled the scene, they walked away as if they did nothing wrong. When I retrospect that event, I still feel like a loser because I know I should have done something. I think now it is time we start a conversation about building cohesive society. To achieve social cohesion, the starting point is by building strong communities. We dont have strong communities in Gauteng. Not when we are doing nothing when we should be doing something. I am not by any means encouraging people to endanger their lives when they come across a situation. The bottom-line is that in any way you react, just bear in mind that a victim may be anyone, including you. Rest in peace Senzo Meyiwa. I write this in my capacity as a citizen of South Africa.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 10:19:15 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015