A cry for action
YESTERDAY a woman stumbled into a neighbour’s compound at Balgovind Road in Nadawa, Nasinu. It was still daylight just before 7pm. Robbed, disoriented, and consumed by anger and frustration, she was desperate for help.
Her situation showed the vulnerabilities some people face in their own streets and communities.
It was a chilling reminder of the insecurity that some people are forced to live with.
Three young boys snatched her belongings on the main road.
They took her mobile phone and keys to her home and other items in her handbag and ran off to the nearby informal settlement.
She walked into the first compound she saw people in and sought their assistance.
A neighbour called the police at Valelevu and gave her his phone to use.
It was a little act with so much to show in terms of support and assistance.
He embodied the spirit of community and neighbourly consideration.
Sadly yesterday’s robbery wasn’t the first on this street, and certainly wouldn’t be the last, residents feel.
Now that is a sad reflection of how much value is placed on security in this area.
There is fear and a sense of vulnerability.
In fact, it raises the issue of police work, and what our force is doing about allaying such thoughts of helplessness at the community level.
The question then, which echoes loud and clear is: how do we fight this?
Perhaps we need a renewed commitment to proactive measures. Maybe acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew could consider things like neighbourhood watch zones if they are unable to consider regular beat patrols and vehicle patrols around our neighbourhoods. Maybe they should boost numbers if they are running short, and seek more vehicles if they don’t have these!
Empowering communities to be vigilant, to report suspicious activity, and to stand united against criminal elements should not be an admission of police inadequacy. It could be seen as a collaborative approach, encouraging communities to rise and protect themselves.
But the need for action extends beyond neighbourhood vigilance. We must delve deeper, into the unsettling reality of our youths who choose the path of delinquency.
What drives them to disregard boundaries, to inflict fear on their own neighbours?
Addressing the root causes, providing avenues for growth and purpose, must be part of the equation.
Let’s not shy away from holding ourselves accountable. Are we creating a society where respect for law and order takes precedence over the lure of quick gains? Are we fostering a culture of empathy and support, where vulnerable people find compassion, not judgment, in their time of need?
The woman who was robbed yesterday in Nadawa stands out as a stark reminder of the fragility of our safety. We should be outraged. And the police must do better than just take down her report.
We need an action plan that tackles crime at its root. Residents of Balgovind Road, or whatever road for that matter around the country, must not walk their streets with fear in daylight hours. We must stand up to terror and crimes against our neighbours. We look up to the police to be part of the solution. Urgently! ■ FRED WESLEY