ON page 7 of the ZO of 11 October there is an article ‘Crime fight needs public support’.
On page 6 is another called ‘Alleged drug lord out on bail’.
The perpetrator was caught in possession of illegal substances, accused of selling a wide array of drugs to youngsters, intimidation of witnesses and, to crown it all, was actually shooting at police while they were in his pursuit.
In spite of all these very serious charges and the fact that he is a Nigerian national, he was granted bail of a measly R2 000!
What sort of message does such an action convey, not only to the public, but also to the rest of the drug dealing scum?
What is the point of attending a CPF meeting if this is the sort of pussyfooting we can expect from the judiciary?
I empathise with the poor police who daily have to witness all their hard work reduced to a mere slap on the wrist by the courts.
The same sort of pussyfooting applies to the stealing of copper. The answer is so simple: make the sale of copper illegal unless one is a registered and licensed dealer or prospector with a valid reason for dealing in the stuff, similar to the legislation applied in the sale of uncut diamonds.
Once the government and the appliers of the law get serious about punishing criminals and removing them from society, they can expect not only respect from the public, but also cooperation.
Until then it will remain a paradise for criminals and transgressors of the law.
DANIE BOSMAN
