The ugly face of violent crime
Violent crime is rising in the city and as history has it, we fear that it may spread across the nation. Lately, innocent citizens are becoming victims of these merciless criminals, who are not afraid to kill. The recent spate of crime particularly cash-intransit heists, violent smash-and-grab especially at roads intersections is a typical example of a storm that may leave unimaginable destruction if not nipped in the bud. Citizens are left traumatised, fearful of their surroundings and having to deal with post-traumatic stress disorders years after the ordeal. The rise in violent crime particularly aggravated assault on innocent citizens and dispossessing them of their hard-earned properties are not what the country wants to deal with right now.
Lives are being claimed, prisons are piling up and properties are destroyed. This is not the Botswana many envision. Citizens and visitors need to feel safe in their own homes, in their own cars and their property protected. Due to the extent of the problem, the police need to rise to the occasion before the situation gets out of hand because citizens are terrorised on a daily basis and the city is becoming unbearable to live in. Everyday innocent citizens cry of violence and lack of protection from the police and members of the public. We understand that the police may be overwhelmed at times, but often their response and nonchalant attitude is what irks the public the most. There need to be reforms within the police service that will address and deal with violence in the society. The police should not only seem to be working when a high profile person is attacked, policing needs to be for all citizens as it’s the primary role of the police to ensure that we are all safe and secure. On the other hand, one wonders what has really gotten into us as the community or should we ask where is the spirit of ‘botho’? Often times, when one is attacked, one will find that other citizens just watching without the requisite action. We are not saying people should simply fight back, but at least shouting for help and not just thinking because it’s not you who is involved, it might not happen to you in future. Together as a nation, we can help to protect one another. These criminals need to know they have no place in our society.
The effect of the violent crimes will not only be felt by the innocent but the business community will as well feel it the more which may give them the impression that it is no longer safe here to do business therefore, it could put a dent on the economy.
This violent crime seems to be undermining the work of the police and the criminal justice reforms. Will we blame the government if it orders for drastic measures to be done to contain the situation? Right now, people are outraged that the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Kagiso Mmusi has supposedly ordered the police to apply ‘shoot-to-kill’ policy to deal with crime this week when addressing a Police Senior Officers Conference that ends today at the Special Support Group (SSG) band hall.
If at all he uttered such words, is he not justified looking at how the country is right now? Criminals are becoming bolder and bolder by the day and they are not afraid to kill in order to get what they want. For every action there is a reaction, and the police will be merely reacting if they are to shoot these criminals.