Sympathies to Schoenies folk

AS a frequent international visitor to Port Elizabeth and to Schoenies, I send deepest sympathies to the residents of Schoenmakerskop, a beautiful area of the world and South Africa (“Peaceful hamlet rocked by murder”, September 27).

I have known the two lovely people attacked for more than 20 years and have had dinner at their house many times.

In fact, yesterday in Budapest I purchased a local gift for the residents who went through a major tragedy as I am travelling to Port Elizabeth on October 10 for a holiday.

My friend, the former South African ambassador to Hungary, at a recent South African luncheon I attended told me that the security issues in South Africa were improving, but as I read The Herald and communicate with my long-term friends in Port Elizabeth, this does not seem to be the case.

I send strength and prayers from Budapest to the residents of Port Elizabeth and Schoenies.

Please keep together and strong in this time of grief.

Please make sure that you watch out for your neighbour, and report any such incidents to the local crime watch team and Atlas security.

I have just put a candle in my living room to send my condolences to the lovely people who I had so much time for and I will miss the most down-to-earth man who passed on on Tuesday night.

Robert Istvan Toth, Budapest, Hungary