This is a plea and a warning that if you do not consider the welfare of the public you will not get the support of the public. If you do not consider the safety, security and well being of citizens you will not get the attention of citizens. We all want and deserve a safe South Africa, free from crime and free from those who promote crime pretending it is for the public good.

Word letters so the public can understand what you are trying to say and do for them and yourself. If you are not sincere in your concern do not expect the public to believe you. Tell the public of your experiences, loss and suffering. You are not alone although it may seem like it. Many have suffered loss, indignity and the sense of invasion crime has on victims.

Victims of crime who survive suffer more than just loss or violence. The horror of rape in particular has a lasting trauma nobody should have to carry.

When writing to the media for publication keep this uppermost. Ignore it and you will fail to get the attention of the public. That does not mean don't bother because every little bit helps and any letter is better than no letter. Any voice is better than no voice.

Capitalise on current media events. If any event reminded you of your experience or desire not to have the same happen to you, then voice your opinion so others may know they are not alone in facing crime and that there are people willing to stand up and be counted.

We should remember none of us can justify purely self-interest and ignore the plight of the man in the street having to face the same or worse ravages of crime daily. There is no reason that they should have to.

Nor should we allow others to determine our fate when what they propose will have known consequences. Those driven by zeal determined to complete their mission no matter what. The death and misery of innocents, children, women, the aged and defenceless will not cause them to lose a moments sleep or examine their conscious. They know they are right and no evidence of failure has stopped them in the past nor will stop them in the future. Only public opinion and opposition will stop them. We are public opinion, but silent opinion is no opinion and agreement with what we do not want.

Copyright © 2001 Crimefree South Africa