Our lenient justice system is failing us

South Africa is holding tight to its notorious reputation as the murder capital of the world, all thanks to our courts’ lenience towards offenders.

A day never goes by without murder being reported. Has this become a norm? Women are the most vulnerable as jilted spouses and lovers simply use the barrel of the gun in revenge.

Some are even kidnapped and raped before being brutally murdered.

Taxi owners kill their drivers for not meeting their daily cash-up targets.

Now our paramedics and train drivers are also being killed while on duty.

People kill because they know that if arrested, they will easily be released on bail and continue their evil ways. Money easily buys them freedom.

Our prisons have also become places of vacation, where offenders equip themselves with educational qualifications, an expensive and scarce commodity outside prison.

It is unfortunate that we cannot bring back the death penalty.

With unemployment at a staggering 26.8%, it will be hard to attract future investors and it is our kids who will suffer the most with no prospect of securing jobs.

Unless and only if our courts become biting dogs and stinging bees and send a clear message to would-be murderers that such mischievous behaviour will not be tolerated, killings will continue.

Stop these senseless killings. Enough is enough.

Mcdivett Khumbulani Tshehla, Halfway House