INDUSTRY OBSERVATION

Real South Africans!

A FRIEND OF mine often remarks that you are not a real South African until you have been a victim of crime. Hardly a positive remarks. However, read on. It gets better and there is some “feel good” here. 

Recently our office was the victim of an armed robbery. Yep! After decades of crime targeting businesses we joined those who can say: “So what, join the club!” 

Our office staff experienced the usual post traumatic stress of such an event. Again you might say: “Been there, done that.”

The 10111 number was pathetic to the point that the operator could not spell the name of the road in which our office is located! 

Okay, so far all of this is the “normal negative.”

Two cell phones were stolen. An armed robbery for two phones! My guess is that the “chop shop” cell phone dealer makes the real money and the “operatives” probably get around R200 for each phone. I don’t do maths but it seems the operatives here are not the winners in this business. Just the same as criminals involved in vehicle hijacks and vehicle thefts, it is the “receivers” of the stolen goods who reap the rewards. 

So for R400 the operatives risk a conviction for armed robbery. 

And guess what? In this instance the perpetrators were caught. So for the lousy amount of money they hoped to receive they ended up being arrested. It makes no sense to me. 

Now the good news. The police were just perfect. No, not the 10111 service, the South African Police Service. Courteous, thorough, professional and sympathetic to the staff, they were commendable. This experience from hell was turning into a positive. 

As for the arrest of the suspects involved in this economically nonsensical crime, what does the future hold for them? 

If convicted, they will be sent on “holiday” to “Sun City” or some such place for a fairly long time. 

My view, which may seem idealistic, outlandish and unachievable, is the following: Is it not possible to form labour groups from these people, the prisoners? They could mend roads, clear road sidings, do any physical work where labour is needed to create, maintain and repair our country’s infrastructure, specifically roads. 

It has been done successfully in many countries - why not here? Please note, I am not referring to “chain gangs.” 

It is possible these labour gangs could even be paid a commensurate rate for their work. This would at least give some reward for the hard labour and, even better, perhaps some hope for the future. There has to be light at the end of the tunnel for convicted criminals. A few hundred Rand is too a cheap a price for wrecking a life. 

I appreciate there are some personal remarks here but the object is to promote debate in what is a massive problem in our country. 

I hope you read this article in the spirit it is intended. Please note these are the personal thoughts of the writer and bear no professional reference.