Real Talk with Duenna

Can you, my people, imagine our beautiful country without crime?

I have noticed lately how people are always so irate.

No one can be trusted. People drive like hooligans, going through stop signs and red traffic lights, citing the fear of being hijacked as a reason.

I understand that when you are driving at night you need to exercise caution, but how many incidents of road rage have you heard of lately? In broad daylight even.

I yearn for the day South Africans realise that crime affects us all.

I pray for the day black men refuse to be contracted to murder people’s husbands and wives. You are part of the reason some (ignorant) people believe black people are out to kill other races.

We complain about this ‘bloody crime’ all day everyday. It is a problem and I get that. Yes, the police could do a little more to catch these “bastards”.

I also drive around looking over my shoulder, just in case a car with more than one “bravo male” is following me.

The irony of it all is that there are still people who drive around with their handbags on their front passenger seats. People are still walking in supermarkets with their open handbags in their trolleys. Seriously?

I see many people who leave their garages open. Even the dumbest criminal, who is window shopping in your area, can gain enough information to plan around the sports cars parked on your property.

Why do we let shopping malls babysit our teenagers when the levels of crime are this high? We drop them off to watch movies and get some snacks, but do we see what happens in between the drop off and pick up?

If you are reading this and know anyone who owns a private security company, please ask them to wake up.

These companies sell us fear. The idea of what will happen to you if you don’t sign up with them. Yet they pitch at scenes long after the crime has taken place.

I am not in any way disputing the fact that there are great security companies out there, dedicated to protecting residents and fighting crime. Big up to them.

To those cops who are taking bribes from gangsters, we see you.

I have a 30-year-old cousin who is unemployed. He has not had a permanent job since finishing school but he is not a criminal. He does not break into people’s houses with an AK47, trying to make money from stolen property.

That said, can my black brothers stop making excuses for their criminal selves.

Rich people have also had to work hard to get their Rolex watches and collector’s guns. They are not the reason for your poverty. Leave them alone and mind your own.

PS: I also pray for the day government leaves its air conditioned offices and comes out to address the real issues on the ground, instead of calling senseless points of order.