Readers' views via SMS

HAS Oscar Pistorius apologised to Reeva Steenkamp's family, either personally or publicly? After all, he did kill Reeva.

IF Oscar really did believe it was burglars and did not think to check where Reeva was, he must be either plain thick or else suffering from PTSD.

WHY did Reeva find the need to lock the bathroom door? Who needs the best legal brains to figure that out? I rest my case.

WHAT right does the ANC Woman's League have to be implying that Pistorius is guilty? It has nothing to do with them.

ARE the investigators in Oscar's case stupid? He is a good shot. Why then was the first shot not in the head? Why was the first shot in the pelvic area? If he wanted to kill it would be in the head! Open your eyes! Stop using Oscar as a example because he is famous!

WHY not let Oscar have a voluntary lie detector test?

HERALD, February 22: Ed Kirwan, no, it is not "a crime that Oscar Pistorius can get the best legal defence money can buy". But it is a shame that not everyone has equal access to the law! Oscar is a privileged citizen, but he has shot and killed a girl. He has injured our wounded country. We hope that the prosecution will gather up all the facts and present the evidence before court in such a way that even highly paid, clever lawyers cannot argue the case and deny Reeva Steenkamp the justice she deserves. RIP.

PAM, what absolute nonsense. You say it is a crime to kill another human being whether he or she is an intruder or not? Let me tell you if I see an intruder in my house, I will use whatever I can to protect myself and my family and hopefully at the end I will be the one still breathing.

CONNIE Hall, I remember your case. Not everybody bayed for your blonde head. A lot of us knew the truth about your story. We prayed the real-life story would set you free. God bless you.

ROLAND Williams, regarding human fallibility (and firearms), speak for yourself and leave responsible firearm owners to remain responsible!

GOOD Kings result. Luke Watson, Saturday's hero – his replacement was much better. Besides, Watson is always injured.

THE armco placed at the corner of Avondale and Kabega roads is a deathtrap. I am seriously concerned it is going to lead to many accidents. It is impossible to see over this in a normal sedan vehicle. One has to go way over the line to get a clear view, which then obstructs the traffic turning into Avondale Road. Surely the armco should have been placed further back? Just a thought!

"RACISM storm over PE house": what a load of rubbish! That's the problem – many people just building what they want! To hell with neighbours and regulations.

DEMOLITION of guest house: Nancy Sihlwayi, don't blame apartheid, blame the incompetent metro officials – they approved the rezoning.

I WONDER how Nancy Sihlwayi can refer to a title deed legislation of 1934 as an apartheid law. Apartheid came about in 1948 – a whole 14 years after a title deed legislation was passed in 1934. If a person wants to start a business, there are laws which need to be conformed to. What I find difficult to understand is that the race card appears to be played. Surely the purchasing price and income generated from the property must be more than paying contractors and architects? Anybody needs to familiarise themselves about legislation, zoning, etc before opening a business in a residential area.

YES ANC, it is racism when you support a black woman who has broken the law and deny her neighbour her legal right to enjoy her property.

THE law requires submission of all plans for building alterations/extensions. Did the Naidoo family of Summerstrand fail to do this? No good whingeing if one acts unlawfully.

IT is very disturbing that a deputy mayor of this metro can behave in such a manner.

I WANT to suggest a good idea that came into my mind seeing and hearing of the most terrible crime against women and children. Why can't there be women in courts instead of men? They are the people who suffer at the hands of people who call themselves men. The system in the country needs force.

HERALD, February 22, "Bets on Asian for pope": Cardinal Luis Antonia Tagle "has a genuine passion for helping the poor, one that could make him Asia's first pope". Christopher Hitchens said, "You help the poor when you hand out a packet of seeds and a box of condoms!" If Cardinal Luis is elected pope, will he be willing to preach the ABC – abstain, be faithful, correct use of a condom? The Catholic Church is a force for good in the world. Listen to a very interesting debate!

ILLEGAL BUILDING IN MALABAR

SOMETHING needs to be done about the illegal dwelling at the entrance of Malabar, opposite the quarry. This city needs a good cleanup and upgrade.

I DON'T have a gun, but I would like one after being mugged at a garage in Rink Street and nobody was aware!