Letter tio the editor (crime)

www.letters@sundaytimes.co.za
Sunday Times
Johannesburg
The Editor
Sir/ Madam

Re: The crime problem in South Africa
I am writing this letter to express my views on the article in the Sunday Times (Metro section) on 22 July 2007. The article is titled "Robbers target tourists."

South Africa is a very beautiful country. We have many tourists visiting our country. When such crime as mentioned in the article occurs, not only does it affect the tourist personally but also our country. This also affects our country's economy because the more tourists arrive the more money we receive.

South Africa is hosting the next soccer world cup in 2010. Without a doubt, many tourists will be coming here. If tourists have to read such articles they will be reluctant to come as they will be afraid of such disturbing incidents happening to them. These people come here to experience the beauty of our land and enjoy themselves. Will this be possible if every minute they have to look over their shoulders and always be aware and alert of what is happening?

Everyday on the television, radio and in newspapers you hear or read about some disturbing criminal act that has happened. Rape, murder, fraud and robbery are all we hear about these days. The rate of crime has increased rapidly over the few years. We hear of small children aged 2, 3 or 4 being molested. This is very disturbing. It is no longer safe to walk alone at night. We are practically 'jailed- up' in our own homes. Criminals should be punished for their immoral doings. They should not be allowed easy bail.

The only way, in my opinion, to curb the crime problem is to reinforce the death penalty. By reinforcing it, criminals will be afraid to commit crime. Their lives will be at risk, not only will they be taking someone else's life but taking theirs as well. Another advantage of the death penalty is that criminals can not be granted bail thus they will not be able to commit a crime again.

Our country has been faced with many difficulties and hard times in the past but we have over come this. If we all work together we can over come this serious matter of crime as well. Tourists will then be able to come and enjoy our beautiful country with peace. We can better our beautiful land.

Yours in concern
Fatima Sayed