FINAL WORD

WHAT A MOMENT IN TIME WE LIVE IN.

The Springboks won the rugby world cup again and we congratulate them on their unique achievement.

That however is the only good news to come out of the month. The crime stats are in and KZN are a leading darkness in the area of robberies and violent crime.

Gender based violence is on the increase and the murder rate is soaring. 6945 people were murdered between July and September 2023, or roughly 77 people every single day. Further to this, 13 090 people suffered sexual assault while 42 297 others were seriously assaulted. This is a blight on our society and sadly, as much as we try we are unable to curb it.

We must ask ourselves why?

Are we as South Africans naturally aggressive? Or is it that punishments do not fit the crime.

Our police force is hopelessly understaffed. In 2012 we had 122000 police officers and this year 106000 and as a result the police are overwhelmed with cases. The police have had good results in catching criminals but for the most part criminals get away with the crime they are committing.

Gender based violence is an area that is out of control. Even if the police do catch the culprits they get very little prison time and they are out on the streets and committing the same crime again. We need harsher laws and punishments to protect our women.

As we move into the festive season criminals are out in force. Hijackings, home invasions, muggings and robberies will increase so please be aware of your surroundings when driving, make sure your alarm-both car and home-is working.

Stay safe After all possessions can be replaced you can’t be.