Senseless killings must be brought to an end

Two brothers responding to an advertisement on social media on Marketplace for a TV set were, instead, lured to their deaths. The brothers went to a house in Ceru Street, in Motherwell, but upon arrival were told by the occupants that no such advert had been placed. While they were still at the house, two men approached them and they were shot and robbed of their belongings.

The senseless murders of Aaron, 19, and Kyle Alberts, 30, from St Albans is a heartbreaking reminder of how out of control crime is in Nelson Mandela Bay.

In a statement, the police urged the public to exercise caution and diligence when using social media platforms to make purchases.

“Verify the credibility of sellers, conduct transactions in safe locations and consider involving law enforcement if there are any suspicions,” the police said.

Nelson Mandela Bay district commissioner Major-General Vuyisile Ncata advised the public “never to tread on unfamiliar territory”.

While this is useful advice, it is simply impractical. There should be no areas in the Bay that are no-go zones.

Criminals should not be allowed to thrive to the point where residents are kept hostage in their homes or they are confined to their areas only.

Parents have lost two sons in the most heartless way — senseless murders that have become far too commonplace in our city.

The police must find the culprits and they must receive the harshest punishment to send a message to other would-be, trigger-happy criminals who have no regard for human life.

Residents cannot continue to be held captive by criminals. This is no way to live.

We need a comprehensive approach to tackling crime in the Bay — a plan which yields results that can be seen and felt on the ground.

There must be justice for the Alberts brothers, and for the many others who are mercilessly killed in our city each week.