Concerned resident appalled at increasing crime rate

Madam – I am deeply appalled at the level of crime, suicides and murders taking place in this our lovely hometown – Newcastle!

Being born and bred here, we always enjoyed the privilege of having a closely knit and relatively peaceful community. There has always been mutual respect and tolerance between different cultures and races.

Are we swiftly becoming a community that’s disintegrating emotionally? Although we seem “normal” on the surface? What has suddenly overcome our people both young and not so old, that some of us suddenly decide to “end it all” with no regard to the precious life that God has given us? People must understand that there is nothing in life that cannot be overcome, or even worked out!

Sure, there are some unbearable pressures that people find extremely difficult to endure, but committing suicide has never solved any problems nor ever will! The only one to lose is YOU!!!

As I said: people must accept that we are all special and unique in the sight of God almighty who created us! And that’s all that matters! Couples must try hard to discuss and solve their problems amicably, and if there still seems to be no way out, and then only as a very last resort should separation take place, and not the ending of a precious life!

Everybody desires TLC, but young people must be more reserved about falling headlong in love with anyone. One must be cautious to whom you give your whole heart and tender feelings to toy with! One should always scrutinize the other’s and your own motives and desires when deciding to fall in love.

Criminals are enjoying a field day because we as a community have become selfish, self centered and plain downright unconcerned about the welfare of our neighbours or their property. In this materialistic age of pride and boastfulness, we played right into the hands of criminals!

Nothing wrong with prospering, but when we become so engrossed with self-gain, we do not see the needs, and criminal activity happening around us!

We as a community should carry our “neighbourhood watch” everywhere we go, then criminals will be wary of soft targeting anyone, they will get the message: YOU TOUCH ONE, YOU TOUCH ALL!

Finally, we salute and applaud that part of the law enforcement officers who hazard their lives for the betterment of our communities! Thanks to the men and women who put their lives on the line to fight crime and corruption in the SAP department.

We further appeal to the consciences of our men and women in blue to go one step further to gather sufficient evidence against criminals that will put them behind bars for their evil deeds! We appeal to our police force to stop or never succumb to bribery and favouritism to never destroy evidence or never succumb to shoddy work when investigating criminal offences!

CONCERNED NEWCASTILLIAN.