JUST the second month into the year saw two big stories that managed to attract global media attention, with gruesomeness in one and the Paralympic superstar involved in the other.
The first involved the rape and brutal murder of Anene Booysen. At first I felt moved when I saw crowds, including minister Lulu Xingwana protesting alongside the people, in front of the courts, calling for no bail.
After pondering what would happen when similar acts occur, the feeling subsided. I still ask myself: shouldn't we rather see government officials agitating and pushing for enactment of tighter laws?
Just a realisation that this tender- aged girl (17 years old) had her body mutilated should at the least guarantee a no bail decision.
The second case was that of Oscar Pistorius. Without being drawn into what took place on the morning of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, I wish to draw attention to civilian gun ownership and the likelihood of it resulting in unintended consequences: loss of honest lives.
In both instances I am sharply reminded of Azapo messages on a gun-free society and for no bail on serious charges like rape and murder especially in their election manifestos. I sincerely wish to see election manifesto messages dusted off plus voices loudly heard.
This should enable the eradication of some of society's blemishes. We are a country that is notorious for violent crime, therefore such calls could eventually hit amenable ears.
Luyanda Mapela, Zwide, Port Elizabeth
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