As I tightened my bullet-proof vest . . .

I am sure that people are aware that we recently experienced an incident of “land invasion” in Ballito on Monday, April 13.
At around midday I received a telephone call from my concerned wife who updated me in terms of what was being bandied about on social media platforms as fact. Whilst on the phone with her I nervously glanced behind me whilst tightening my bullet-proof vest, as I observed the no more then 100 peaceful persons who had gathered. I was not going to be caught napping by the masses who were apparently on the way to join in, whilst another 500 were already barreling their way down Ballito Drive causing major destruction.
I’m sure Dave at Dischem was no doubt grinning from ear to ear as his staff happily dispensed handfuls of Calmettes to the “panicked”.
It is evident that many people have missed their calling, a few of them even making JK Rowling look like a rank amateur.
On a more serious note, social media platforms can be very useful if used correctly, other than for the purpose of sowing widespread panic. If you do not know the facts then don’t pretend to know them or speculate. This reminds me of something I heard ages ago: “Rather appear to look a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt”.
On an even more serious note, “ten out of ten” to KwaDukuza municipality. I appealed successfully to the municipality via my cluster commander to suspend planned “load shedding” in a particular area on the evening of the 13th in view of a serious imminent threat. I will not venture to try and describe how helpful that was.
LT. COL. DIETER. FITTKAU
Umhlali