An undemocratic ‘culture’ of killing

WE HAVE once again witnessed the level of brutality that is rife in the country with the murders of a taxi boss, his daughter and two bodyguards in Ladysmith.

When will our people learn to embrace competition and tolerate differing viewpoints without killing each other?

This method of “getting rid“of the competition has been going on since King Shaka’s days, and it doesn’t look like changing any time soon.

Imagine if we all adopted the same “culture” and went around killing those with whom we differ or are in competition!

It is sickening to think of the planning that must go on to purposely arrange murders of political opponents and taxi bosses by people who feel nothing for human life as long as they can somehow benefit from their deeds.

One never hears of the arrest and conviction of those responsible, while our leaders call for stricter gun controls.

Do they honestly think that those hired for these killings use licensed firearms and insert “hitman” in the space for applicant’s reason for the firearm application, and that this is then approved?

Is this the “African way” of resolving differences? If so, are we surprised that the outside world looks upon this country as one of the crime capitals of the world? WADE WILLIAMS

Scottburgh

Only justice can offset barbarism

I DON’T think I’ve read anything so horrendous and barbaric as what Bokkie Potgieter suffered at the hands of an unnamed attacker in Gluckstadt.

Why cut out his tongue, his eyes, his nose? What type of beast does this? I do not know how the family will ever be able to live with this memory. It is too terrible for words.

Members of the community got hold of the attacker and assaulted him until he died.

This was mob justice, and I would be surprised if anyone was charged. Does this not indicate that we citizens can no longer tolerate this violence? If the death penalty is not brought back and our voices are not heard, this mob violence will be an ongoing occurrence.

Even as I say that, my deepest sympathies go to his son, wife and other family; it doesn’t seem to be enough. Only justice for victims of this type of crime, proper justice, will be enough.

NATALIE VAN DEN BLINK Via e-mail Respect each other’s cultures

WITH reference to the letter from Dhayalan Moodley, “Celebrate Diwali with decorum, no fireworks” (Sunday Tribune, November 5), I believe his views are not shared by the vast majority of Hindus.

Diwali is observed and celebrated in both a religious and joyous manner. This happens worldwide, even in countries besides India and its diaspora, including Australia, New Zealand, Kenya and England. .

One should avoid taking a parochial stance against Indians in general, and Hindus in particular, who continue to mark the occasion as they have done for centuries.

Noise pollution is manifest all over the world. Even nature, with its thunder and lightning, frightens animals, birds and other creatures.

Moodley’s comment about fireworks merchants who support the use of fireworks because of pecuniary interests and who rake in millions of rand by selling fireworks shows his bias against Indian business people.

One also senses jealousy.

Just as we accept the costs associated with the slaughter of turkeys during Christmas and splurging on alcoholic beverages at great cost in order to enjoy the festive occasion, similarly, people of different faiths have their own cultural and religious ways of enjoying themselves.

Therefore, we need to be understanding, respectful and tolerant of cultures which may be foreign to us.

VINESH ROOPLALL

Shallcross