My friend sent me this news story about the so-called 'airport syndicate' operating in Johannesburg. The deal is that visitors to the city are trailed from the airport and attacked usually at the entrance to their hotel or place of residence. The immigration and customs staff at the aiport are believed to work hand-in-hand with the robbers, who later way-lay the unsuspecting victims.
These robbers target certain nationalities - Nigerians included - who they know will be carrying huge sums of money on them.
So if the authorities know so much about this crime syndicate, why are these robberies still happening?
4 comments:
yeah, I have much love and respect for all Africans, but with South Africa having the second highest murder rate (first is Colombia - google it, you'll see) - it's a wonder how South Africa got the World Cup 2010 bid and not Nigeria. I know, for many people put Nigeria and crime together but I am of the belief that the World Cup games in Nigeria would have been feasible....or maybe that is just my own bias talking....which it probably is....
I saw this on Carte Blanche..Scary..Johannesburg has got one of the highest crime rates in the whole world....
How fellow human beings would derive pleasure or opt to meet their own needs from harming others (either physically or emotionally), remains a mystery to me. For such a long-running record of documented atrocities against mankind, Security Public Office holders under their respectively sworn oaths of office in both Nigeria and South Africa should be hiding their heads in shame.
Is it possible that the psychological trauma (outside the material loss) inflicted on unfortunate victims can be sufficiently quantified? Would an exact replacement of my possession that was taken by force, erase outright the manner of distraught I’ve been made to suffer in the first place? Anyone who sees it fit to put others through pain for selfish benefits deserves to be brought to account and accordingly dealt with as the laws of the land stipulates. Law Enforcement Agents, within and across borders, who refuse to take on or worst still collude with criminals should expect to face stiffer penalties for negligence of duty and abuse of office respectively.
The South African government needs to as a matter of urgency raise a crack team (direct report to the presidency if need be) to put an end to the damage being done to the country's reputation. The harm done goes beyond the individual and could translate to repulsive countenance whenever South Africa comes to mind. As Africans we should first be seen as our brothers' keepers, not wicked marauders on each other. Enmity is certainly being bred by this unscrupulous conduct of fellow citizens of the black nations.
I ask at this point, should it matter more that fellow Nigerians are victims? On another note, should South Africans deserve the pains of crime as long as it is being committed by their own citizens? It is not a war-mongering act against only Nigerians but Mankind at large (would not be surprised to learn that citizens from other nations have many times equally been victims of this detestable cabal). The precarious situation deserves URGENT attention by all who are stakeholders of well-being, security and peace at home and across borders. When allowed to continue, devastating chain-effects would be the result, sooner than can be imagined! Harmful/Deplorable Reflections on Africa when hosting international events (e.g. upcoming 2010 World Cup) would be a child's play. We would collectively be the greater losers!! It is another SELFISH war waged on mankind by just a handful (when you compare the numbers).
What can you, everyday citizen like me, ever do about it? Though the opportunity comes far and between, when you have the right to exercise your legislative right to vote, Do VOTE! Your vote is your lawful and peaceful means of staking who uses your paid taxes, for or against you, your family and your country! Should it be the case, let it be for the record that your vote was STOLEN or ABUSED! Since elections don’t come everyday, opportunities to express your views, to Speak out against tyranny and injustice are however not as rare. Seize one today. Do recall, “Patricia Ete-gate” is a recent occasion of outspoken objections that got rightfully rewarded “right before our eyes o!”, in this same seemingly “hopeless” world of today. It is your choice, however inconsequential you reckon your role may be, to contribute to the number that will sooner than later bring about a monumental CHANGE for the good of all.
Interesting. I heard SA has the highest crime rate in Africa. I'm not surprised though. By the way, Ore you've been tagged on my blog .. and you better respond! Click here
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