letter to the editor

Robbers Target Tourists

I find it most disturbing that tourists are the targets of these felonies. Do the criminals not realise that those very tourists are the ones who increase our economy? Not to mention the bad reputation of South Africa these tourists are forced to take back home with them.

With an increase of tourists in the country, it results in the increase of jobs, businesses and yes, the increase of our economy. Is poverty not one of the problems we wish to destroy? South Africa is beautiful, has a rich history, but our escalating crime rate threatens any possible tourist to change his mind. Citizens are not the only ones ay risk.

Within a short span of three years, we are to host the prestigious Fifa World Cup. Causing a flood of foreigners to our soil. Or not? Considering the fact that tourists are the new targets of our famous hijacking and muggings. It bothers me to think that foreigners would be (and are) afraid to come to South Africa. What image do we portray to the rest of the world? I assure you, not a very good one in this regard.

Also, these crimes are so intricately planned, down to the finest detail. It’s not difficult to believe that information is leaked from inside and it is all part of a syndicate.

I shudder to think what these tourists have been through. Just arriving in a foreign country, not knowing anyone or anywhere. To be held at gun point, kindly requested to give up their money, valuables, luggage and passport. Only left with the clothes on their backs, in a terrifying country (as first expectations always last) wishing they hadn’t come in the first place. Doing anything and everything to get back home. Safe home.

A possible solution to crime and murder especially, would be to bring back the death penalty. Criminals wouldn’t want to risk their lives. An eye for an eye. If you kill someone it’s only fair that your life be taken as well. These days, jail is more comfortable than living on the streets as one has a roof over their head and food in their stomachs. Also, when bail is so easily granted. If criminals are not afraid of the consequences of their actions, then what stops them from commiting the crimes that they do.

If the consequences of crime against foreigners, yet alone crime itself, is not disgraceful enough, than I don’t know what is.

Yours sincerely
Fatima Khakie