Give dignity to those killed in Cape Flats violence

WITH all the senseless killing of people on the Cape Flats, residents are becoming desensitised to violence. This is especially evident from their diminished reactions to news about people who died due to violence; even in cases where bodies were severely mutilated.

It would almost appear to the loved ones of the deceased that their lives did not really matter; and that they were mere crime statistics, because only some perpetrators have been caught or imprisoned, and only some victims’ names are mentioned in media reports on violent incidents.

Many relatives are hurting after many years, and find it difficult to accept their death.

It would therefore be good if government authorities in Cape Town could set aside a certain period to commemorate the deaths in certain areas, in conjunction with relevant religious and social organisations.

Community halls or school halls could be made available for this purpose. Relatives would then bring the picture with the name and surname, date of death and cause of death of the deceased, as well as a picture of them with their loved ones, to be displayed on exhibition boards for a whole week.

This would serve as a concrete acknowledgement to the public that the lives of the deceased were precious and of great value. As God created them all in His image, they were precious in His sight.

Whether their murderers are known or whether they have been jailed, relatives might also be encouraged to find it within themselves to write letters of forgiveness; to be displayed with the pictures. Taking pictures of them standing alongside the displays will also serve as public declarations and concrete reminders of their bold acts of forgiveness; for their own record.

Such an act is difficult and painful,so no one could be expected to also bring such a letter along; especially if the death was more recent. However, it will enable loved ones to be healed from their emotional pain and the poison of bitterness, and to be freed from the prison of unforgiveness.

It is especially male relatives who are in need of this; as they usually do not openly express their heavy emotions, and with whom it commonly manifests in the form of negative behaviours. Even those who have forgiven their relatives’ killers, could simply write a letter stating that they forgave the perpetrator.

The viewing of thee public displays will help conscientise residents from the community and surrounding areas regarding the seriousness of violence, and the importance of protecting one another. Such a project can lend some dignity to the lives of the deceased. Perhaps it could be piloted in three areas with the highest incidents of violence.

If something like this cannot also be a means of bringing healing, freedom and closure to hurting families of victims, then what will?