A State failing in its most basic duty – protecting its citizens – Daily Newsletter

Hi there,

A colleague was mugged over the weekend. Just as the sun was setting, three 30-something toughs, one with a gun another a knife, accosted him. They roughed him up before demanding a cell phone and wallet. It was all over really quickly, he tells us, but not before the knife-man, before leaving, threatened to cut him up. Just for kicks. 

He is pretty philosophical about the attack, counting himself fortunate that he actually had something to hand over. If not, he reasons, the thugs would have gotten angry and really hurt him. Has he reported it to the police? No, the university graduate tells us, because that would be pointless. This kind of thing happens all the time in the township where he lives.  

I repeat this story not just because it nauseates when someone you know and love is senselessly abused. But because such brash gangsterism permeates our society. Thugs rule many streets in many parts of South Africa, without any fear of being apprehended. Too many of our police protectors prefer playing blue light brigade to political worthies and their cronies – or from the look of them, spending excessive time at donut bars. 

Which serves to highlight the immaturity of our young democracy. For hundreds of years, the top priority of any organised State has been to provide security for its citizens. Failure to do resulted in them taking their labour to a place where protection was duly afforded. South Africans have once again voted, en masse, for a Government that fails dismally in this basic duty. An irony highlighted by our colleague’s unfortunate experience – and, more poignantly, his reaction. 

Alec

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