Citizen Festival a blot on the country’s record

Were the entire police force not at the Global Citizen Festival in the first place, asks Heather Wolpert

When the staging of the Global Citizen Festival at FNB Stadium was first announced, my husband rejected my pleas to attend due to what he perceived as a “security risk” – this despite our fervent support for both the message and beneficiaries of this event.

We also wanted to join the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Madiba’s birth.

My husband’s fears were based upon the lawlessness that currently exists in SA and the poor record of the forces of law and order in fulfilling their protection mandate.

Unfortunately his predictions proved accurate and a beautiful event was indelibly scarred by the violent nature of our society.

My question is: with the world’s eyes fixed on South Africa’s unique position related to our late, great president, did the entire police presence take their leave with our current president or were they not there in the first place?

What a terrible shame and blot on our record!