Solutions Are At The Front Door

A SPATE of recent events has led Namibians to question why the social fabric is unravelling.

This exercise is being indulged in from grassroots level right up to the corridors of power. Of course, that begs the question: if government and its agencies are without the necessary solutions, to whom does the responsibility fall? The recent release on bail of N$1 000 each of seven suspected murderers of a young father, whom they did not know, is a worrying incident in a long list of incidents.We have laws, which make stock-theft an extremely serious crime, with extraordinary penalties for perpetrators brought to book.Why is livestock more valuable than human lives? Could it be because almost the entire political elite is involved in livestock farming? There are simple solutions to Namibia’s problems.Only those wishing to muddy the waters tend to talk about complexities.We have a serial killer terrorizing communities, and has been for some time.Serial killers start at a particular place in their lives.The Dorado Seven have reached that place.Will they go on to become more hardened criminals? Is it possible that we are looking at future serial killers, rapists, robbers etc.with this crime of murder in Dorado Park? It is a very real possibility! This is how juveniles become hardened criminals.It is an undeniable fact! Whether the justice system accepts this fact is not known.Is our justice system working in tandem with our law enforcement agencies? What messages are being sent out with the granting of N$1 000 bail in such serious cases? Are we less worthy than livestock? Is it any wonder that society is confused about government’s agenda in the fight against crime? Is it not time for the real politicians to stand up and be counted? Bishop Kameeta spoke recently about our lack of caring and sharing as a nation.One sees that in little things as we go about our daily tasks.Does anyone show a bit of courtesy on the road? Every motorist owns the piece of asphalt on which he/she is and hardly ever displays a kindness or common decencies.In our social landscape decency is not common! Our social problems have their origins in our homes.Our value systems are largely non-existent or poorly developed.And yet, our churches are packed to capacity on Sunday mornings! And at the other end of the scale we have an administration populated with individuals with a poorly developed sense of ethics, a lack of accountability, and a distorted sense of empowerment.The Boois case is certainly proof of that.So are many others! The ACC spends its time with the small fry while elites, embroiled in shady deals, continue to spend and waste much needed revenue.Is it any wonder that the ex-Plan fighters demand what they do? There seems to be a bottomless pit, which certain individuals access with impunity.So, when the privileged individuals in the corridors of power, and elsewhere, wonder what the solutions to our woes are, they need look no further than their own front doors.And perpetuating the culture of dependency, certainly does not contribute to an improvement in the social condition either.The solutions are pretty straightforward.What is required is the will to do something measurably pro-active.John Sampson WindhoekOf course, that begs the question: if government and its agencies are without the necessary solutions, to whom does the responsibility fall? The recent release on bail of N$1 000 each of seven suspected murderers of a young father, whom they did not know, is a worrying incident in a long list of incidents.We have laws, which make stock-theft an extremely serious crime, with extraordinary penalties for perpetrators brought to book.Why is livestock more valuable than human lives? Could it be because almost the entire political elite is involved in livestock farming? There are simple solutions to Namibia’s problems.Only those wishing to muddy the waters tend to talk about complexities.We have a serial killer terrorizing communities, and has been for some time.Serial killers start at a particular place in their lives.The Dorado Seven have reached that place.Will they go on to become more hardened criminals? Is it possible that we are looking at future serial killers, rapists, robbers etc.with this crime of murder in Dorado Park? It is a very real possibility! This is how juveniles become hardened criminals.It is an undeniable fact! Whether the justice system accepts this fact is not known.Is our justice system working in tandem with our law enforcement agencies? What messages are being sent out with the granting of N$1 000 bail in such serious cases? Are we less worthy than livestock? Is it any wonder that society is confused about government’s agenda in the fight against crime? Is it not time for the real politicians to stand up and be counted? Bishop Kameeta spoke recently about our lack of caring and sharing as a nation.One sees that in little things as we go about our daily tasks.Does anyone show a bit of courtesy on the road? Every motorist owns the piece of asphalt on which he/she is and hardly ever displays a kindness or common decencies.In our social landscape decency is not common! Our social problems have their origins in our homes.Our value systems are largely non-existent or poorly developed.And yet, our churches are packed to capacity on Sunday mornings! And at the other end of the scale we have an administration populated with individuals with a poorly developed sense of ethics, a lack of accountability, and a distorted sense of empowerment.The Boois case is certainly proof of that.So are many others! The ACC spends its time with the small fry while elites, embroiled in shady deals, continue to spend and waste much needed revenue.Is it any wonder that the ex-Plan fighters demand what they do? There seems to be a bottomless pit, which certain individuals access with impunity.So, when the privileged individuals in the corridors of power, and elsewhere, wonder what the solutions to our woes are, they need look no further than their own front doors.And perpetuating the culture of dependency, certainly does not contribute to an improvement in the social condition either.The solutions are pretty straightforward.What is required is the will to do something measurably pro-active.John Sampson Windhoek