We must not lose our moral bearings

THE murder of little Jamie has, rightly so, enraged the Chatsworth community. Havenside residents say they tried to save Jamie but no one would listen (“We tried to save her,” Herald, November 23).

Questions are being asked and fingers pointed. Who in his/her right mind would want to harm an innocent life? Could it be the mother, the grandmother or was there a third person involved? Should we blame the police or the overburdened Chatsworth Welfare Society? Or should the ultimate responsibility for this ghastly deed rest with society?

Until this matter goes to court and we hear the truth we can only surmise. Taking into account what little we know of the circumstances leading to this heinous crime, there are things that don’t look right.

Jamie’s father Dimitri van Vuuren was locked up in a Cape Town prison for whoonga addiction, one of the neighbours often gave the family food, and the children used to be on the streets, begging. The father himself is homeless and lives on the streets in Cape Town.

Were Jamie and her siblings in an environment that was not conducive to the raising of children?

Much has been said and written about our wonderful legacy and the remarkable progress we have made since our forefathers reached these shores. Our accomplishments are legendary.

But the death of Jamie has cast a deep shadow on our proud community. It is reported that the abuse of children is widespread in the township. Our victory over the match-box homes would ring hollow if we were to lose sight of our moral bearings and neglect the most vulnerable among us. T MARKANDAN

Silverglen