Corruption and guns are killing our country
CRIME does not pay, according to the old adage. But it certainly does cost, in many ways.
Murders, theft, fraud, GBV and even petty crimes leave behind a trail of hurt and loss.
Where there is a perpetrator, there is at least one victim; sometimes there are hundreds and even thousands or millions who suffer because of the unlawful acts of the few.
Recent utterances by the city mayor addressed the potential economic effects of the current spate of murders that are plaguing the region.
The number of ‘hits’ is spiralling out of proportions – and with a general election just months away, we could expect the numbers to rise.
It is internationally true that most murders are committed by people known to the victim, and are linked to issues such as jealousy, anger, revenge, power and other highly emotive passions.
The loss of a person who is not merely a family leader but a community influencer adds to society’s loss.
And, the mayor was at pains to say, it is a huge deterrent to potential investors.
Who would want to set up a business, knowing you could be assassinated just because someone else wants your hardearned profits and would have no hesitation in killing you for these?
Another warning voice was heard this week, saying electricity problems and corruption must be on any potential election campaigner’s priority list.
Of course, there is a direct link between these issues and blatant criminality; the country’s assets have been stolen or handed to unlawful beneficiaries.
Be it the Zondo Commission or other source as the point of reference, there is no doubt that the citizens of this country are the direct victims of crime; and crime is simply the manifestation of evil and immorality.
This country, quite simply, is witnessing a war between good and evil, honesty and corruption.
One may go as far as to say that it is spiritual warfare.
While it appears on the surface that the immoral outnumber the moral, this is hardly the case.
But people with vested, selfish interest have built for themselves patronage networks that have seduced others to protect them in almost every arm of government and business.
Some minor role players may be incarcerated as a sacrificial smoke screen. However, few big offenders are ever imprisoned, while court cases run for years without outcomes, often because enablers placed in key positions are able to swing or delay outcomes and consequences.
The meek and the poor are cannon fodder for the powerful cabals who stand little prospect of being dethroned, since those who must oust them are eating from their trough.