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Shoot to kill

by
2008-11-11 11:14

Richard Hipkin, News24 User

Community safety and liaison MEC Bheki Cele stirred up a lot of emotion when he praised police recently for shooting and killing suspects involved in the assassination of two high profile officers in KZN recently.

Well even more recently was the murder of two policemen escorting a money van to a pension payout over the weekend. Another high profile police officer was murdered senselessly in Newcastle.

Now, it is painfully obvious to a person with half a brain cell to notice that there is a bloody war out there. Criminals are armed with nothing less then AK-47s. If anyone has ever had the pleasure of handling an AK-47 will tell you that this piece of weaponry is exceptionally deadly and incredibly tough.

These criminals will not hesitate in using that weapon to its maximum and trust me they do, when there is a cash-in-transit robbery no less then fifty to a hundred rounds are fired off in a matter of seconds. Now these gangs are killing people left right and centre without remorse. We have a society of mass murderers, serial killers, soulless people.

The only way I see dealing with these people is to remove them from society forever, there is no hope of rehabilitation, you must be fooling yourselves if you think that someone who killed ten security guards and five policemen will one day leave prison and open a pillow factory!

Yet the "do-gooders" out there immediately question police action when one of these extremely dangerous criminals die in a shootout with police, they actually raise concerns about the police action.... wow.

But didn't these guys just send thirty rounds of 7.62mm towards the police? Where are these people when thousands of innocent people are being picked off, no mention of our rights then but the moment a known criminal who is busy shooting at police is killed, then all of a sardine they crawl out the woodwork to "raise concerns" at the number of people dying in shootouts with police.

I say shoot them. Now does that make me wrong, am I a product of our violent society? As an ex-policeman myself I know what it is like out there.

I know that it has become so very dangerous, so much so that you just do not know if the guy you pulled over is going to be the last person you ever see. Would that solve our violent country, would the quick fix of removing this scum actually make a difference?

Or do we continue to uphold the rights of criminals at the expense of innocent people?

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Tribalzone 11/11/2008 11:23:45 AM
Ive always felt if a criminal takes away someones rights then they forfeight there own. ie. Every person has a right to life and dignity, however if they kill and innocent person and take away there life and dignity they give up there own rights... an eye for an eye as they say.

Karen 11/11/2008 11:23:48 AM
We are living in a lawless society where the only people obeying the law are the very ones being relieved of their worldly goods and picked off at an alarming rate. I think we should shoot first and ask questions later. All the bleeding hearts that think criminals are poor misunderstood souls who just need a hug should rather use their hugs to comfort the victims of these monsters. We need some action.

bizkit 11/11/2008 11:24:34 AM
If he didn't try and rob/steal/rape whatever in the first place, he wont get shot?same should apply for burglars in your house, if he is in your house and he doesn't belong there, you must be allowed to shoot him, no questions asked, but no.. the laws protect these guys, even if he broke into your house, raped your daughter, if you shoot him, the police will arrest you for murder, or attempted murder. Which is not right?

Kenroid 11/11/2008 11:24:35 AM
Bring it back!!! Otherwise we might just have some Boondock Saints running around soon - I would support them if they are taking down the bad guys!!! If a criminal fires a shot from his gun, take him down! Even a shot into the air - that is a threat and intimidation tactic! Waste him!

Thokozani 11/11/2008 11:25:23 AM
Excellent way of putting it Rich, i like this line"you must be fooling yourselves if you think that someone who killed ten security guards and five policemen will one day leave prison and open a pillow factory!". I agree with u 120%, police must protect themselves, our government must stop protecting criminals.

Chris G 11/11/2008 11:26:54 AM
I'd say I mostly agree with you. If a criminal attempts to shoot a cop he should expect to have his life at risk. Once you cross that line you forfeit any rights you had as far as I'm concerned. Violent crime in this country is out of control and it's long past time that the law in this country fought back.

Mr Pant 11/11/2008 11:27:03 AM
there is no law to uphold in this country. Judges are caught hammering in peoples fences drunk. The whole police force is corrupt as hell. What are you beating around a dead topic. This govt wants crime to stay so that they can be overlooked in govt pocketing millions. This govt has told its uneducated masses, if you want it go and take it. end of story

veritas 11/11/2008 11:27:07 AM
It is time to fight fire with fire. I also wonder how well intentioned those do-gooders are who seem to care more about the criminal element than the law abiding citizens of this country. Judging by their actions it would seem that they are as evil as the criminals that they want to protect.

Malusi 11/11/2008 11:27:26 AM
Hey Richard I completely 100% agree with you. There are millions of us out there who pay our taxes, don't commit crimes and for sure as hell don't go about killing innocent people. Yet the minority of criminals have more rights then average do-gooder citizen. I say shoot to kill. Head shots I tell you! Why should we have to keep our children in doors and pay security companies every month a portion of our hard earned money so that these idiots can run riot out there doing as they please!!

Ryan G 11/11/2008 11:28:22 AM
Police are there to protect the innocent. That means doing what is necessary to maintain peace and safety. I say shoot to disarm, if that dont work, shoot to kill. I must admit, if me or my family are indanger, I will defend myself, if necessary and face the consequences later. As long as me and my family are safe ...

yes, get rid of them 11/11/2008 11:28:41 AM
Yes, I say shoot them, but in the knees, so they won't be able to run around with AKs any more. However, where are we law-abiding citizens supposed to be able to purchase guns to shoot with?

Juan 11/11/2008 11:29:27 AM
And support vigilante justice! Vigilante justice is swift, the punishment fits the crime, and it does not cost the taxpayer a thing, unlike our so called justice system where criminals have more rights than victims! A policeman HIMSELF has advised me to shoot to kill first, THEN fire the obligatory warning shot. There's no forensic way to determine which was fired first..

Gideon 11/11/2008 11:29:31 AM
I say shoot the bastards.Remove them permanently and lives will be saved.

CuriousT 11/11/2008 11:30:05 AM
I fully agree with you Richard, the only reason why they would protect this trash who kills and mames at free will is coz most of the peeps running our country are criminals themselves. Even the commissioner of SAPS has blood on his hands, I also believe that its a military wing of the ANC who is behind a lot of what is going on out their. I do find it interesting that especially before elections generally cash heists happen more often, the ANC needs loads of cash to campaign the way they do!

Ryan G 11/11/2008 11:30:30 AM
Criminals think nothing of pulling the trigger and killing their already terrified victims. They do not value life as much as the rest of us. why then should we care and not shoot them. I say shoot them and remove them from society

Morgoth 11/11/2008 11:31:21 AM
South Africa loses its citizens to voilent crimes at the same rate as some countries at War. South Africa has become a battle zone were cops and robbers are dueling it out while civilians are collateral damage. The situation is now esculating with bulletproof vest and armor piercing rounds. Batman, where are you? Leave gotham city and move here to JHB. I concider criminals not human by definition and should be executed like the rabies dog that bit a child. Same thing in my eyes.

Annie 11/11/2008 11:32:58 AM
Thanks Richard for a great article. As an ex-policeman you can write what you did. I am glad you are still alive. I agree-police should shoot to kill. Criminals should have no rights. If they are carrying a deadly weapon, they intend to use it on innocent people. Kill the scumbags as our friend Sunidity would say.

SimonP 11/11/2008 11:33:07 AM
Indeed we live in a violent society. Sadly we have leaders in SA who revel in violence, JZ and his machine gun song, Malema with his kill the opposition hate speeches. JZ blames TV for the violence when he should look a bit closer to home. When figureheads promote violence it will never stop.

Cynm 11/11/2008 11:33:16 AM
I do agree that these criminals do not deserve to live in society. But I'm still sceptical about giving our police the right to be trigger happy. Look what happened in London after the bombings there. Will this really save more innocent peoples lives? We'll never know until we try! I say go for it!

Annie 11/11/2008 11:33:57 AM
Thanks Richard for a great article. As an ex-policeman you can write what you did. I am glad you are still alive. I agree-police should shoot to kill. Criminals should have no rights. If they are carrying a deadly weapon, they intend to use it on innocent people. Kill the scumbags as our friend Sunidity would say.

Cynm 11/11/2008 11:34:13 AM
I do agree that these criminals do not deserve to live in society. But I'm still sceptical about giving our police the right to be trigger happy. Look what happened in London after the bombings there. Will this really save more innocent peoples lives? We'll never know until we try! I say go for it!

AW 11/11/2008 11:34:28 AM
I agree with you 100%. The only way to heal the country is to get rid of the weak links. Shoot'em all!

Gerrit 11/11/2008 11:34:51 AM
I totally agree with this article. Perosnally I think that if you are found in possesion of an automatic weapon, or any other illegal weapon, you should be shot on site with that very same weapon, and then the weapon can be destroyed. If you point a gun at a police officer he should be able to shoot you there and then without asking questions. Maybe then our police will get the respect they deserve.

ChrisR 11/11/2008 11:36:10 AM
Mr Hipkin, how do you think that where your law makers are criminals themselves, you are going to galvize them into action, secondly there were quite a few incidents of raw racism towards the public(Whites) the last few days and then the police expect the public to assist them when they are attacked by these monsters and the worst of it is, if they do they will be in trouble. Do not arrest, kill them.

Morgoth 11/11/2008 11:36:51 AM
How I hate to think in those lines of an eye for an eye. Criminals that kill so violently has consciencly stepped down from their human status. They cannot be defined as human. They are doing a monsters work. I don't give a damn to any sob stories on why they became like this. BTW AK-47 has proven itself in its 50 or so years in production as the only and true weapon of mass destruction!

MP3 11/11/2008 11:37:24 AM
Richard I fully support your letter... Ironically those who do have a problem with killing a criminal have never been a victim of crime. And do not fully appreciate the feeling of safety for yourself and those you care for. Shoot Them. Shoot Them Dead. And if you can... Make them suffer long enough to realise how they've managed to ruin other ppl's lives.

Mike 11/11/2008 11:39:22 AM
It is a pity that in SA criminals have more rights than innocent law-abiding citizens. Dangerous criminals, such as those mentioned, should be removed from society - PERMANENTLY. Great article Richard.

Azonic 11/11/2008 11:39:33 AM
If I find an intruder in my house at 2am, I am not going to break out the tea cups and Marie biscuits. You WILL find a bullet going though your empty head. Criminals, especially those involved in violent crimes, start by shooting them with a slingshot, next a pellet gun, then a paintball gun, then a .22 rifle, keep going until they are dead from excruciating pain.

Xokzin 11/11/2008 11:41:31 AM
If a criminal comes into my locked property I shoot to kill, rape my child I shoot to kill, steal my car I shoot to kill. I'd rather be in jail, fighting for human rights(Yes protecting my family's rights).

gatsby 11/11/2008 11:41:35 AM
Especially thieves who are running away from you after they've stolen a cellphone. Kill the buggers - who cares about the collateral damage???

Concerned Citizen 11/11/2008 11:41:46 AM
Richard identifies the AK47 as a tough, deadly weapon - it should be, being designed by Mr Kalashnikov to win wars. The problem is using it out of context - like in a shopping centre. Tempting though it may be to put our Policemen into an arms race, not good to have 7,62 mm bullets flying in one direction, and 5,56 mm bullets the other. Not a good shopping experience for most customers. Perhaps principle of Minimum Force remains valid? But a very strong Force when required.Command some respect!

Juan 11/11/2008 11:44:02 AM
Policemen are TIRED of seeing theire collegues murdered on a daily basis, and now are playing the role of judge and executioner, and I for one, FULLY support it. A DEAD MAN can't kill, steal or rape again, and I DARE anyone to prove me wrong!

Spongebob 11/11/2008 11:45:04 AM
SA is a paradise of criminals, no other country has a law friendly to criminals than ours "it's human rights this human rights that". Go to any country in Asia or US, you wouldn't want to be a criminal believe me. We tired of living in fear, death penalty must return ASAP! We even have a union for prisoners,how pathetic!

shutterspeed 11/11/2008 11:47:05 AM
On Sunday afternoon a fleeing criminal was shot dead outside my house. He died in the street after about 30 minutes of huge blood loss. When I appraoched to see how critical he was and whether anyone had called for medical, the white guys standing around were saying 'let him die.' I was more shocked by this reaction than by the shooting. Yes, we need to protect ourselves, but at point point do we become irreparably jaded by the whole thing....?

Sinudeity@Gmail.com 11/11/2008 11:47:09 AM
"Shoot to kill" doesn't help the victims. As coward gangs break into homes with 8 or more members in tow. WHAT can you do to defend yourself in this case?! NOTHING! We need to REMOVE these animals from society! Im AGAINST the death penalty, but desperate times call for desperate measures. KILL ALL MURDERERS AND RAPISTS!!! The police have been doing an awesome job the past while, but its not enough :(

Azania 11/11/2008 11:47:50 AM
We have one problem, this country is not govern by the people but by a few elites who imposes their sick ideas on the majority of people. I once heard gvt spokes person saying that a debate about re-introducing discipline(corporal punishment)at schools is a non starter. We will solve our crime problem once we actually start governing. We had Khutsong because people were not governing. There is no peace and security in SA because some people think it its their god given right to think for others

Ginger 11/11/2008 11:48:56 AM
Yes - shoot these souless people before they kill another innocent person. They are probably killing people every week. They should be given the same treatment as dogs with uncurable rabies.

Sinudeity@Gmail.com 11/11/2008 11:50:36 AM
"Shoot to kill" doesn't help the victims. As coward gangs break into homes with 8 or more members in tow. WHAT can you do to defend yourself in this case?! NOTHING! We need to REMOVE these animals from society! Im AGAINST the death penalty, but desperate times call for desperate measures. KILL ALL MURDERERS AND RAPISTS!!! The police have been doing an awesome job the past while, but its not enough :(

MarcD 11/11/2008 11:52:25 AM
But you know, the people who are benefiting from all this crime are the security companies. Crime goes away, so does a large portion of their income. Make you think huh?

anon 11/11/2008 11:53:00 AM
I agree with shoot to kill as South Africa has lost the war these extremely dangerous criminals and the government is to blame as they have given the criminals the hand and the man on the street no protection at all. WE the man on the street have rights to protect our selves and the police should have the right to Shoot to kill if there lives are in danger.

lloyd macklin 11/11/2008 11:53:39 AM
..to talk about cops killing criminals while there are so many corrupt policemen. What stops a cop killing an innocent person and then saying he believed that person was a criminal. I saw a cop, in the apartheid era, shoot someone and then plant dagga in his pocket. What we can and must do is have a severe minimum sentence for anyone caught with an unlicensed firearm even if no violent crime has been committed.

Tim 11/11/2008 11:53:50 AM
I will shoot to kill and worry about the consequences afterwards! I will not be a victim of the scum that is destroying this country! If the government tries to disarm me I will buy an illegal gun.

M 11/11/2008 11:54:07 AM
If cops could then protect themselves&the community,less gun battles would be required because no-one would dare attack the police since they would kill them as a form of defense. More- the public should also be allowed to defend themselves will by all means necessary and that my dear Mr. Hipkin needs to be changed by law.

Merika 11/11/2008 11:54:42 AM
Once u kill a person with the aim of robbing or stilling from him/her, u must be stripped all the rights a decent human being have. no prisoners rights, no human rights, the only right u deserve is DEATH RIGHT. of course this exclude those who do this in self defense, which can be proven in court of law. i'm sure it will be easy for the judges to rule on a case whereby i killed someone whom i find raping my child. DID U REGISTER TO VOTE, URE VOTE IS URE PROTECTION.

Mandla 11/11/2008 11:54:58 AM
You people are really brainwashed against the ANC. We all hate crime and have experience it, even the ANC leaders have experienced crime. Who ever commited a crime because JZ sang Umshini wami? SimonP you are stupid. However I heard criminals say they got some of the criminal ideas from voilent TV programmes.I agree that the police must protect themselves when dealing with dengerious criminals.

MarcD 11/11/2008 11:55:10 AM
There you go and stuff the whole thing up again. What the hell is wrong with us when it comes down to race? I assume you're black. If black guys has said the same thing, you'd never have mentioned colour. You tosser. There was never a mention of race in this post, whats your problem?

kd 11/11/2008 11:55:24 AM
What happened in England was sad, but I notice that the bulls--t stopped immediately as the message was sent. Take a life and yours will be worth nothing.

ElectroMan 11/11/2008 11:55:33 AM
Unfortunately many of the people in the SAPS are all to happy to shoot if allowed by law to do so. In many other countries the rule is that the police may not shoot until being shot at or have a warrant that give them the right by law to kill on sight. I agree with this rule, although there will always be trigger happy officers who will use this to clean up after corrupt acts. Wild South Africa is and will stay for a long time.

Joe333 11/11/2008 11:55:47 AM
Unfortunately the liberal constitution of the RSA gives criminals more rights than victims. The death penalty must be reinstated, and criminals should be shot on sight. Some people think that the death penalty doesn't deter crime, if true, so what? It?s about punishment, dead people don?t commit crimes. There is a definite lack of political will to fight crime. Many of the big criminal gangs consist of ex Mkonto We Sizwe members. Makes you think...

sarah 11/11/2008 11:56:04 AM
Send our police force out to face untold horror with very little support, but there is no support for them after the fact either. There is no "de-briefing" or "psych" assistance. Guys taking mental strain are told to "tough up" by their collegues, & the suicide & family shootings as a result, are through the roof! We berate the police for not doing their jobs, but the system is turning them into emotional time bombs & psychotic maniacs.

Sinudeity@Gmail.com 11/11/2008 11:56:25 AM
But are we safer? :( Why is it so difficult to get a LEGAL gun license? Why can I NOT defend myself? One of these barbarians can get ANY firearm he wants, but I have to jump through hoops! Can someone explain to me, what the motivation is behind this?

Azania 11/11/2008 11:59:12 AM
We must put into power a government that will listen to the people that elected them. Politicians must account to the people who elected them. Many people want tough laws against crime but the educated elites in gvt. always want to turn citezens into genuia pigs by testing their thesis or desertations people.

M 11/11/2008 12:01:27 PM
What do you expect? People hear about violence every day,they fear it,they build huge security perimeters,pay private security firms lots of money,they live in fear.It's like being shell shocked, you don't think like a normal person anymore.Do you think people at war suddenly have remorse?Only after the war ends.People will continue to react like this until crime is curbed!

Nick 11/11/2008 12:02:33 PM
What is the use of capturing killers, to watch the courts let them out Free Men. When crimnals shoot at the police, do they give warning shots. Police must take back the streets from the thugs that the ANC has created with lack of Criminal Justice. One less criminal is one less cop killer. Viva SAPS

Azania 11/11/2008 12:02:41 PM
We must put into power a government that will listen to the people that elected them. Politicians must account to the people who elected them. Many people want tough laws against crime but the educated elites in gvt. always want to turn citizens into guinea pigs by testing their thesis or dissertations people.

Peter Farmer 11/11/2008 12:03:15 PM
I agree 100% with the shoot to kill policy and that is my own policy for protection of myself & my family and our property. If I find an intruder on my property, be he black, white or any other colour, I have to assume that he would not hesitate to harm me or my family and I will shoot him dead before he gets a chance to try. The criminal makes the choice, not society, and the crimal must expect to suffer the consequences of his actions. Enough said!

Squash 11/11/2008 12:04:10 PM
Criminals seem to have more right than me, I support a "shoot to kill". Let the police be given the right to reclaim our streets. More power to the police !!!

Reson8 11/11/2008 12:11:35 PM
I think it only fair that our Police Men and Woman also recieve semi-automatic and automatic weapons to defend themselves with. It's the law of equal, yet deadly force... Or at least create an elite company which have the right to use deadly force, eg S.W.A.T We as the voters and residents of SA are in control, we choose our government we pay our taxes. Let's take a leaf out of the old SA and toy-toy together as New South Africans to get this done!

Lujah 11/11/2008 12:16:05 PM
These criminals deserve to be killed in a most brutal way i could think of.So many innocent lives have been tempered with.Yet we have so called concerned who are busy trying to be famous by saying everyone should consider criminal rights.What rights ? to kill/rape/hurt/....innocent souls ? can't believe such people...Do they want to see such happening to their immediate families ?? If they don't, I would say they must probably be criminal themselves.enough is enough.I say "return fire with fire"

tiekies 11/11/2008 12:16:52 PM
Our sops should be equipt with heavy Artillery , nothing less than R5?s each , They should not think twice to shoot , They need better training , And we need at least a million cops in SA 200 thousand is nothing !!The army should be deployed as well on a daily basis What do they do ? sit back at camp and eat sump and runaways all day long.

ss 11/11/2008 12:17:05 PM
I agree, they should be removed....permanently would of course be the best! It is amazing that those that do wrong have the "rights" it just proves how sad and sick society has become! All the best to our good cops....take them out... and you guys take care!

Old government 11/11/2008 12:17:10 PM
the old government did not stand for anybody committing a crime. right or wrong i did feel safe in the old days. Now, if we can just get that back but still retain our right to vote. i suppose this unfit government will only do something when 1500 very prominent people are murdered in month month. right now it's just 1500 tom, dick, marys that are killed and who gives a shit about them. well, that's where you are wrong you incompetant fools in government. GET TOUGH NOW!!!

ss 11/11/2008 12:17:17 PM
I agree, they should be removed....permanently would of course be the best! It is amazing that those that do wrong have the "rights" it just proves how sad and sick society has become! All the best to our good cops....take them out... and you guys take care!

fatman 11/11/2008 12:17:56 PM
I `ve applied for firearm license almost two years ago ,still waiting.Every single person in this country is a target for criminals not just the well off and elites.Pensioners get killed for that meagre couple of hundred.If i don`t get a license i will get a double edge hunting knife plus a crossbow for distant targets(swift and silent).I have the right to protect myself and my family unlike what GUNFREE bastards say.

BT 11/11/2008 12:18:24 PM
Not sure why you were shocked by the reaction. Perhaps you should think of it differently. How would you have felt if that same piece of $%#@ lying bleeding on the ground, had raped you or your daughter, tortured your husband or worse still killed a member of YOUR family in cold blood! Will you still sympathise, I guess not. I think we have ALL already become "irreparably jaded', and have had eneogh of these ruthless, spineless and utter disgusting criminals they call human beings.

Hero Nakamura 11/11/2008 12:18:52 PM
Kill them, Kill them I say!!! Each time an armed robber dies there's one less scum on the earth. The the mother F*ckers!! NOW!! I don't even want to hear eish like poverty leads to crime, no way! Hungry people don't the energy to carry AK-47s. There are poorer countries in our continent with violence i.e. Malawi! Kill them now!!

Badger 11/11/2008 12:19:18 PM
if he had just Sodomized your son or raped your 5 yr old daughter, would you still have the same view point. "DON'T THINK SO" wake up and smell the blood !!!!! you are pathetic. "I SAY LET HIM DIE" Period !!!!!!

slabs 11/11/2008 12:19:57 PM
For the first time we all agree. A better future for our children, a safer place for all and maybe our kids will play in the streets until midnight again instead of watching tv.LET THIS BE THE NEW REVOLUTION ALL SOUTH AFRICANS AGAINST CRIME. JUDGE DREAD STYLE.

Jim 11/11/2008 12:23:11 PM
Firstly, I support the death penalty wholeheartedly when used against violent criminals. Secondly, the right to shoot to kill should be available to protect life and property. The police should be able to shoot to kill whenever threatened and not to stop a fleeing suspect. The public should have the same right. Mistakes will happen and innocents may get hurt or killed. But the bad guys are going to become less. How often are the "bad guys" out on bail and awaitng trial for similar offences?

Joe333 11/11/2008 12:26:16 PM
Just imagine that our government spent R50 billion on the police force to fight our real enemy, crime. More policemen, better training, psychiatric assistance, better salaries, more vehicles, more patrols, more cameras = less crime! And there would probably be R25 billion left to spend on the defense force to fight our non-existent foreign enemies. The arms deal was unnecessary and one can only assume that there were sinister reasons for it.

Jim 11/11/2008 12:27:17 PM
A few have mentioned the difficulties in obtaining friearms under the draconian FCA (Firearms Control Act). I agree. This act should be scrapped. The only disqualifiers for firearm ownership should be violent criminal behaviour or a verified medical record of mental instability.

Glock 22c 11/11/2008 12:27:26 PM
I am 95 % trough the process , let me tell you why its takes ages , Because ones again govermunt are useless at giving any services, It took 8 months to process my finger prints . I have nothing to hide. Now emagine a criminal investigation where the same process must be done , no wonder criminals do as they please , Just check Zuma he does as he pleases

Godheart 11/11/2008 12:27:56 PM
How long must we wait for something to happen? That is the question but the answer is very clear. NEVER....the government has no power over the criminals that we see today. It is not because of money or food or being jobless that these things are happening. In actual fact the reason for all the crime has gone missing. Killing, rape, stealing all of these things have changed from being a need to survive to being a everyday activity. Crime is no longer an act it is now the personality.

Baas Koos 11/11/2008 12:28:27 PM
its must be shoot to kill... have a look at how farmers are decreasing.... because they kill the farmers, one less farmer means one additional import from over seas to keep our mouths full, and what are the police doing to help the farmers... nothing.... i have been hi jack with my wife, we are still waiting for an arrest to be made! i say kill the buggers... dont even ask questions... if i get a burglar in my house or on my property i will make sure he is dead! as dead people cant speak!

Sibongile 11/11/2008 12:28:55 PM
It's about time the people of SA were allowed to decide the fate of the criminals that terrorise us. We have elections coming up - include a referendum at the polls - death penalty. So many are against it and yet they do not offer any working alternatives - let punishment fit the crime - period! Tired of violent criminals walking free, tired of paying for their food & board in prison. Yes poverty is a key contributor - not NOT to the kind of cold-hearted killing & rape we see each day. Kill them!

Stef 11/11/2008 12:29:22 PM
Criminals have NO rights. Unfortuanately half of the idiots running South Africa or the so called government are criminals, that is why they came up with the idea of human rights for criminals. It is also a shame to know that the larger part of the police force are corrupt. We, the innocent, spends thousands of rands on security to protect the little that we have left that was not stolen and robbed by the so called "previously disadvantaged". If you ask me these idiots are too lazy to work.

Mielie 11/11/2008 12:30:32 PM
I wont hesitate if my or my family life is in danger to shoot to kill! On my property or in my house, what are you doing there?? DIE MOTHERFU$KER DIE! Does'nt matter the race or gender!

VG 11/11/2008 12:31:12 PM
Um...I fully understant the frustration with crime, but the reason criminals are treated with what appears to be kid gloves is that you cannot tell a criminal by looking at them!(unless caught in the act). So if we say "shoot to kill" whats to stop you or I who may be innocent bystanders being gunned down? common sense,people..

Marcel 11/11/2008 12:31:51 PM
and we all complain. I dunno dude, a real tough one. Can't quite bring myself to agree though, I think it's a real slippery slope you're on when you start advocating this kind of behaviour. Credit to you though for taking a definite stance; I aint got a clue what the best system is to fight crime.

slabs 11/11/2008 12:33:09 PM
We all agree, now how do we let the gov. know that all south africans want the same thing. How do we take this futher, has anybody got an answer for me please.

alan 11/11/2008 12:33:28 PM
Ever noticed what is happening more and more these days? Whole gangs of robbers armed with AK-47's etc attack cash trucks, storm into malls like Northgate just this week and many elsewhere. It's not just plain burglary any more - it's actually criminal MINI-ARMIES against us, the law-abiding citizens. Put a man in charge of the police whom they can respect, spend MUCH more money on training, equipping and remunerating, and maybe we will stem the tide of the criminal armies ranged against us.

Baas Koos 11/11/2008 12:33:45 PM
have you ever been hi jacked before... your wife held at gun point.... shame..... then you dont have anything to say why were you rattled... you werent involved, i bet you got post stress hey!! shame!!!!! I aggree with BADGER... LET THEM FRIE!!!

infoguru 11/11/2008 12:34:06 PM
The thing is, as always never leave witnesses, the criminals do it. If the robber is dead he can't testify that he was only "visiting"

Sinudeity@Gmail.com 11/11/2008 12:35:25 PM
If only the politicians would read this thread. They live in security villages, have armies protecting them. But, the death penalty remains untouched, undiscussed. DOES the government not act on the will of the people?! WE SHOULD be telling THEM, what to do, but, when in fact, they tell us what to do. "Go back to sleep South Africa, everything is fine." Go mob justice.

Wouter Baas on 11/11/2008 12:37:28 PM
Girls my advice. Kill them and do not report the problem. I was robbed twice and called the police and they did not respond. The seven other times I was hassled I have just killed the fuckers and dumped them with the help of my friends. Eye for an eye. So far I have killed more locally than on the border. I sleep in peace as the government is doing.

WWJD 11/11/2008 12:38:34 PM
The dear Lord has tears in His eyes to see how the crown of His creation has lost his path. You all may think Agh! not a religious slant. Think what you may, the answer to this and the many bad symptoms of our nation (and so the rest of the world) is not in our violent response to crime, but on our knees and a return to the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray for this country and so are many other Christians (and no we are not perfect). We all are 1 sec from eternal heaven or hell! You choose!

Chocolate 11/11/2008 12:40:16 PM
They did the right thing for letting that criminal die, he would have come back for you. Minus million problems by letting him die. i understand why you were shocked (im honestly shocked as well)but we mustnt let emotions blind us. We dont know how many people he had killed or raped.He 'took' his own life wethu!

Maanda 11/11/2008 12:40:36 PM
I think police are well trained; they can pick up the spot and shoot to defend themselves and protect those who are intended to be killed by criminals etc. not just kill for the sake of killing. We do not have room for criminals, police should defend themselves, yes, I agree.

Amber 11/11/2008 12:41:15 PM
Why is it that you will be in a world of trouble if you shoot at/harm a criminal trying to break into your home, but if they kill you, you're just another statistic? Women are urged to 'let' rapist do their thing, and report it after the fact. How many of them actually get prosecuted? Even if they do, they get treated like royalty in prison (with taxpayers money), only to walk the streets again a few years later. It's time that we fight back and fend for ourselves!!

CTheB 11/11/2008 12:43:31 PM
Who are they allowed to shoot simply because they choose to? In a shootout with criminals, if criminals die, so be it. But one paragraph implies that they should execute someone pulled over for a broken tail light because "you just do not know if the guy [is] going to be the last person you ever see". If they shoot, shoot back. As for vigilante justice, I don't see how the punishment fits the crime. The examples we see are people getting necklaced for theft. That's probably not unusual, either. Vigilante justice is often driven by emotion, the desire for revenge, not the desire for justice. That usually ends up with the punishment not fitting the crime at all. Something needs to be done, but allowing police to shoot anyone just because they think the person might be a criminal is going a bit far.

Peter Maluleke 11/11/2008 12:44:10 PM
The government bought arms to protect their citizens. Well they do not protect us, as they ignore the plea from their people for protection. Make weapons cheaper so that we all can afford it to protect our selves. People will be more cautious if they know every one is armed. Kill them first and explain it in court with the help of the constitution laws.

LVN 11/11/2008 12:44:18 PM
After reading the your letter I was inclined to agree with you, but after reading all the comments I felt as if I've just been through some terrible ordeal..It is incredible how human beings can inflict pain on one another. I am stunned by my own feeling of hatred when I realize that I would also kill if faced with someone that I know has done something to they should not have..like rape, shot or knifed..

Mark T 11/11/2008 12:47:24 PM
SA is a crime hotspot, where rape and murder are happening daily without any consideration to victim's rights. The police should be allowed to use ALL force to protect the innocent. If lots of criminals die, then all the better. Many criminals cannot be rehabilited- so why allow them pose a danger to society upon release or payrol. Citizens should also be allowed to used deadly force to protect themselves and others-the law is on the side of the criminals at present.

Phillip van der Walt 11/11/2008 12:49:21 PM
When I think of someone entering my private premises to kill or rob me, I think of one thing. It's either him or me that will survive. So I say protect yourself, shoot that criminal

Proudly Black 11/11/2008 12:56:12 PM
I think it's about time SA introduced Zero tolerance policing

aka aka 11/11/2008 12:57:49 PM
The death penalty would work only if our courts were not still filled with Apartheid era judges. They will kill my people like ants. I am for it but not now. Lets transform the judiciary first and then introduce the death penalty.

Francois 11/11/2008 12:59:42 PM
I have just witnessed SOUTH AFRICANS stand together (although not 100%) but at least 80%! I would say thats better than yesterday?! Criminals beware... beware!

Concerned citizen 11/11/2008 1:00:55 PM
That's so true, the Government is failing innocent people and protecting criminals. We serve the Government that believes criminals have more rights than the victims. I think death penalty should be reinstated, and those who kill should also be killed. Forget about human rights issues, becuase when these people kill they don't consider that, all they want to do is kill and for what "a lame cellphone that doesn't cost even R250". Shoot to kill is the, we salute you!!!

Richard Hipkin 11/11/2008 1:01:41 PM
Awesome responses. South Africans united, ah what a refreshing scene! It will be tough and there maybe innocent people caught in the cross fire but it will only be a matter of time before that innocent person gets killed by criminals anyway? We have the highest number of unatural deaths outside a war zone, you cannot compare any other country to ours. We need a drastic change with drastic results.

Kale 11/11/2008 1:02:30 PM
I say kill them on site. Administer our own justice in this lawless country. Then parade their bodies on TV and the Radio, make all those low life good for nothings know that we are tired of them!

cedb00 11/11/2008 1:04:33 PM
By my calculation about 98% of the contributors here support the writer's views. Secondly, it is a Government's duty to protect its citizens. Now the question: Who did you vote for in the last election, and who are you going to vote for in the next? If your answer is the ANC on both counts, shut your mouths. You get what you deserve!!

Choshi 11/11/2008 1:07:08 PM
This is a very smelly political ploy, to have the MEC uttering such honourable statement just before the election, did not we all know about this out of control crime all this years? what did minister Nqcakula said about moaning and bitching about crime? mind you I am black and this just to get our votes don't forget what happend to the scorpions, the same bunch voted to disband this crime fighting elite. Choshi

Anne B 11/11/2008 1:11:17 PM
When corruption is removed from the police force and judiciary, then we reduce the "kangaroo court" mentality. I am not saying one shouldn't defend oneself, but our society will only be safer when criminals are arrested and sucessfully prosecuted - to hard labour, if necessary. Corruption is the major reason why we have the high level of crime in this country.

eben 11/11/2008 1:11:27 PM
When using a firearm you want to eliminate your target. You the target of the robber or criminal must defend yourself maybe with a firearm and therefore you are a criminal in this constitution. The law is for the criminal and not for the good people. The death sentence should be reinstated and you will have 90% less criminals/murderrers and more money to uplift this country. What is the cost keeping a life sentenced murderrer in jail. Counting that cost can build countless homes.

Sinudeity@Gmail.com 11/11/2008 1:16:21 PM
Defenseless people, on their knees, said a quick prayer before being shot down? Do the criminals think of their eternal life before MURDERING and TORTURING? Leave them be, and let God sort them out, eventually? No thanks, Id rather be proactive.

Vic 11/11/2008 1:16:32 PM
Expect more attacks at shopping malls this coming holiday season. Now, if only the police would place snipers on the rooftops and kill the rubbish ruining our lives. That would make the criminals think twice.

Frank 11/11/2008 1:17:44 PM
I couldn't agree more. It is war out there. 16 armed men vs 4 cops. 16 is a platoon basically. The SADF should be brought in to deal with this. The police cannot protect the civilians, but they cannot be blamed. They are out-numbered and out-gunned. This government must wake up...

MJ 11/11/2008 1:18:52 PM
What about that kid who was shot and killed recently by accident while a father was shooting at some criminals.

South African guy 11/11/2008 1:25:02 PM
Goodness me, we all actually agree. We FLED the country 3 years ago, after someone close to us was shot dead a block from our house. I helped stop a hijacking and things were just too much. I couldn't risk my 2 young children's lives. As for jaded views, the people in the UK are often shocked by my jaded views on life. Pollsmoor etc. should be emptied by hanging the CRIMINALS who kill and rape. They will NOT understand pansy justice, only their own kind of justice - by killing THEM!!

malcolmx 11/11/2008 1:26:36 PM
It was the ANC who initiated this love for the AK47 in South Africa. The likes of McBride continued to smuggle these weapons into South Africa long after the fall of apartheid. We can forget about fighting crime & the rights of law abiding citizens until we bury the ANC. Even if it means shooting & killing ANC members in another revolution. Whatever it takes, the ANC must go.

Nel 11/11/2008 1:27:34 PM
I agree that we all are losing our innocence and compassion but that is what happens to a society when people reject law and order and respect for life. Our apathetic ANC government doesn't help either. Then it becomes a savage fight for survival - 'us or them'.

Ravi 11/11/2008 1:29:12 PM
Richard, you can thank the good people at the 'Human Rights Commission' for making sure that criminals are protected with all the criminal friendly laws. I wonder whether they would change their tune when one day crime came knocking on their door. In my opinion, if you take away a life, you loose all your rights, which is the way criminals' behavior should be approached.

Lucky Ralawe 11/11/2008 1:29:40 PM
While agree with everything said, ChrisR needs to learn that even law abiding Blacks have lived with crime all their lives, from their own, as well as from white apartheid security police & soldiers who often indiscriminately killed in defense of apartheid. Everyone is currently experiencing crime, regardless of their race. So don't make as if only Whites are the victims here. BTW, a white man vanished with R8k I gave him as a deposit to build my swimming pool. I'll shoot him dead the day we meet

proud to be white 11/11/2008 1:30:11 PM
You have obviously never been a vitim of crime?Do you know what that criminal did wrong?I agree if a criminal carries a gun,he must be shot if he fires that gun,if he is arrested,he must be hanged,in the early nineties a man was freed from death row in SA,and years later he received a life sentence for murder AGAIN.I say vang hulle en hang hulle.

Sinudeity@Gmail.com 11/11/2008 1:34:22 PM
Defenseless people, on their knees, said a quick prayer before being shot down? Do the criminals think of their eternal life before MURDERING and TORTURING? Leave them be, and let God sort them out, eventually? No thanks, Id rather be proactive.

Fluffybunny 11/11/2008 1:37:14 PM
I also want to know - with the staggering amount of armed business robberies, and a lot of those businesses having CCTV cameras, WHY are the criminals' pictures not splashed all over the various newsmedia???? WHY? Robbers don't even bother disguising themselves because they have no fear of being caught (and remember we have a conviction rate of less than 10% for armed robberies).If they then DO decide to disguise themselves they lose the element of surprise anyway! Where r their pics?

Richard Hipkin 11/11/2008 1:37:27 PM
I hear you but that is not what I am saying. One of those policemen mentioned was killed after pulling over a car in Umlazi, as he approached the car he was shot through the head. That is why I said what I said about the last person you ever see.

Madibeng 11/11/2008 1:37:47 PM
The level of racism on this blog really freaks me out. For example: "This govt has told its uneducated masses, if you want it go and take it." Obviously, by "uneducated masses" you're referring to the black unemployed population. They are uneducated because their families were ripped apart by the apartheid government: mothers and farthers kept apart in slave jobs whilst children languish in poverty back in the rural villages (looked after only by grannies if lucky).

PJM 11/11/2008 1:37:50 PM
I understand the anger and the frustration so evidently viewed in the above comments but I do not feel the answer is more guns and killing - you are no better than the criminals if you adopt this attitude - it sounds very easy just take out the criminal but look how many innocent people are affected by guns from "responsible" firearm owners who take the law into their own hands, this is reported on virtually a daily basis..Control of firearms is essential.

eben 11/11/2008 1:40:56 PM
The best system for fighting crime is the punishment for criminals. Small offenders like theft-corporal punishment 1to 6 depends on crime,first time offenders. The bigger the crime jail sentence that depends on the crime.(jail sentence must not be a holiday as it is now but hard labour). n Sentence for murder and rape should be the death sentance. That should make us a proud country. Reinstate from today with no backdating otherwise it cant be done.

Rules of engagement 11/11/2008 1:45:04 PM
Shoot! Just keep the innocents out of it. I saw a police friend of mine killed in front of my eyes when I was younger. He was begging me to help him, while the killer looked on with no remorse. His eyes was as cold as a predator. I survived because of a gun failure. I had to testify in high court as some joker decided he had human rights after killing an officer and friend. I was terrified the way he looked at me in court. And escaped soon after. I lived in fear! Death penalty rules!

MJS 11/11/2008 1:46:39 PM
Our so called leadership still insist on rallying the masses with this idiotic, violence inspiring song - no wonder we are a soulless, lazy and now dead society, intent only on taking without working for anything. The only solution is take the violent criminal off the street permanently - I will be first in line for the executioners' position. Maybe sharia-law must be implemented in South Africa, cut off those stealing, killing hands.

crime 11/11/2008 1:46:50 PM
The ANC has brought on the chaos in society. The government consists of criminals and above all stupids. They allow scums from across the borders to enter this country at will and commit crime. They allow their own members to commit crime and it goes on. Our big hero mandela sits with his purple lips glued together through all the anarchy.

Lucky Ralawe 11/11/2008 1:48:18 PM
I used 2 live in Centurion. My car was stolen, my 2 black neighbours were hijacked & robbed of their household goods in broad daylight, thugs used 2 try 2 break into our house every weekend, even when the lights were on, & the only reason we survived was because we had an alarm & beams all over the yard. I decided to move my family 2 a safer area. So don't bring your racist bull** here about whites being the only targets. BTW I have bought a gun thru my brother's licence, & am ready 2shoot 2 kill

AC 11/11/2008 1:48:43 PM
Go ahead, feel sorry for these animals, but please dont take them to the SPCA. I will let my dog finish him off. Be more upset with non criminals who have had enough and just want to protect our families and friends. I challenge you to make that call after one of you loved ones have been through the hands of one of these thugs.

Tribalzone 11/11/2008 1:49:54 PM
Perhaps copies of these responses should be sent to the powers that be with a special note attached that the only time all users from all backgrounds have agreed is on this issue... give the people what they want!

MAARTEN 11/11/2008 1:55:25 PM
Now with the festive season on its way and the AK47 thugs coming out to hit cash vans , its time the Cop's get there act together. Too many times you see policeman in the street's of SA looking like real morons when it comes to basic survival , ie I am surprised not more and more are killed in the line of duty.

Gesundheit 11/11/2008 1:55:32 PM
Why should they be given a second shot (excuse the pun) at life, when they have denied their honest, hard working, tax paying, in other words, CONTRIBUTING victims any further say in this life? These disgusting individuals have no respect for the lives of others, and have therefore negated their rights to life. And I'd like to think we've all realised that this has gone well beyond the 'poverty' excuse, these guys are living the high-life, while others pay for their upkeep, with their lives.

Badger 11/11/2008 1:57:09 PM
,,,do criminals get the right to VOTE ? they should serve hard time in P.R.I.S.O.N. locked away in a dark, cold shithole for ever !!!!!!!

Sinudeity@Gmail.com 11/11/2008 1:58:08 PM
Boohoo. That was >15 years ago. What about NOW?! Stop living in the past, you will live there forever. Instead of blaming apartheid for the 'uneducated masses', why not throw a bit of blame GOVERNMENTS side? 50 BILLION for Corvettes to 'keep us safe'. What about Schools/Houses? As LONG as you find other things to blame for your circumstances, you will live like you have been, till the day you die. Murder/Rape/Torture spree, is NOT about poverty. Its African nature.

Mark T 11/11/2008 1:58:13 PM
Criminals know no race or gender- they target everybody. I am still confused how the constitutional court can rule against the wishes of millions of tax paying South Africans. A referendum should be held and the majority rule upheld. If the majority of us want the Death Penalty back, we should have the choice, as tax paying citizens. The constitution is supposed to be ours is it not??

The Executioner 11/11/2008 1:58:57 PM
"They are uneducated because their families were ripped apart by the apartheid government" - ripped off? Where did you get that idea? They owe that government a great debt of gratitude. Now get rid of that chip on the shoulder, son.

Glock 22c 11/11/2008 1:59:29 PM
An that gives the masses the go ahead to go and rob and kill anyone they want because of past injustices done against them by the apartheid goverment ?

Jann 11/11/2008 2:00:10 PM
Agree completely with the referendum idea. Criminals have got away with murder (literally)for way too long. It's time the government listened to the people. I agree on the shoot to kill issue, but believe that are police officers need to be better trained to protect innocent people being hit by a police bullet.

Crimson 11/11/2008 2:00:12 PM
What do you mean "and then a kid gets caught in the cross fire"?Do you think the criminal cares?The criminals will be firing anyway kid or no kid.Has Jesus told you what he would do.I dont think Jesus wants anyone to be raped or sodomised or shot down and killed.Perhaps this could be fully eradicated with the swift removal of murderers and rapists of this world.Lets stop bitching about ANC this and DA that,its time we stand up together and face up to these criminals.

Johnny Cash 11/11/2008 2:01:56 PM
You can shoot them today, tomorrow there will be someone taking their place. We need much more police to deter crime. And good, well paid teachers to teach people about a better life. And proper border control to keep more jobless criminals from taking over. All this talk about killing is making it worse, why are there criminals in the first place? What is the plan, ANC?

Big Bad Bob 11/11/2008 2:03:05 PM
Think of the Waterkloof four. Do they forfeit rights? Which rights? For how long? What about when their debt to society is deemed to be paid? What about awaiting trial prisoners who have yet to be found guilty? Finally, I think it appropriate to RETURN fire, not just to shoot. Anybody who was in the SADF in the 70s or 80s will be familiar with the Law Of Minimum Force. I see no reason why said law should not be a good guideline.

Sinudeity@Gmail.com 11/11/2008 2:05:29 PM
Wake up!!! What good is controlling LEGAL fire arms if the Barbarians can get the ILLEGAL kind ANYWHERE?! Do you have any idea how many ANC weapons cache's are still out there? Where do you think the AK's come from? Illegal fire arms are easily accessible. "how many innocent people are affected by guns from 'responsible' firearm owners?" I dunno, where are your stats?

Bethuel 11/11/2008 2:06:03 PM
The lives of men and women in uniforms are always at risk.they do not know whether they'll return safely from their work.Now the only remedy they must shoot to kill to protect their children to become ophan because of these heartless thugs.

Roger 11/11/2008 2:07:32 PM
Control of firearms? Not even God would be able to control firearms in a country where 6000 policemen were caught with forged driver's licences.

Big Bad Bob 11/11/2008 2:07:33 PM
That flies in the face of just about any democratic legal system. Shooting on sight somebody presumed to be a crook removes the right to a fair trial. It's things like that that seperate democracies and civilised societies from medieval thugs like the Taliban.

Johhny Cash 11/11/2008 2:07:45 PM
Didn't Thabo Mbeki deny on national television that crime is a problem in South Africa. And did the ANC not protect the worst of them all, Jacki Selebi, still being paid by us the tax payer ? And who let all these people cross our borders? If you want to govern the country, you must take responsibility for the problems!

Sinudeity@Gmail.com 11/11/2008 2:10:44 PM
What an IGNORANT response. Apartheid judges, for crying out loud. "They will kill my people like ants", unlike what the criminals have been doing? Are 'your people' ALL Barbarian criminal scumbags? Apartheid will NEVER come back! Ill give you this one chance, to DRILL it into your head. APARTHEID IS DEAD! STOP LIVING IN THE PAST!

Richard Hipkin 11/11/2008 2:14:17 PM
Bro, don't let the racist remarks drag you down my friend, let's ignore those who point fingers and for once keep this article on topic. I know it's hard but trust me you the better person for it.

M 11/11/2008 2:18:40 PM
Nobody but we can save ourselves. The law of nature says, survival of the fittest. God made that law above all other laws.

Sinudeity@Gmail.com 11/11/2008 2:19:51 PM
Mbeki DENIED crime is a problem. They told us, that all those who bitch about crime, must leave the country. The government has shown NOTHING but apathy towards the crime situation. Spent BILLIONS on corvettes to guard our oceans, but WHAT ABOUT OUR BORDERS?!

Mark T 11/11/2008 2:20:24 PM
I was in the old SADF, and had my fair share of action. A good rule, was when the enemy or target was spotted, the said target was fired upon. Waiting to be shot at first may result in you being hit first and in no position to return fire. If a gun is pointed in your direction, why wait to see how good a shot your target is- shoot before he shoots you. I am not saying that you must go round shooting people, but if he is a percieved threat (eg in your house with a gun), then shhot.

Point Blank 11/11/2008 2:22:50 PM
Apartheid may have had its evils but how many families are left without parents due to the out of control killing these scum commit everday... due look ahead of you in 2008, not 1988...

Gesundheit 11/11/2008 2:23:47 PM
Tell that to our farmers, particularly the ones in the north, what's happening there is tantamount to genocide. But I agree in part, urban crime certainly affects all of us.

Gesundheit 11/11/2008 2:42:38 PM
Tell that to our farmers, particularly the ones in the north, what's happening there is tantamount to genocide. But I agree for the most part, urban crime certainly affects all of us.

Joe333 11/11/2008 2:44:55 PM
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Criminals don't ask for permission to kill innocent people. They just shoot! But yes, please don't shoot anyone for jay-walking. Reasonable cause should be kept in mind, but why should the police wait to be shot at before shooting? Doesn't make sense in these violent times.

jim 11/11/2008 3:28:15 PM
I don't see the racism? You have in your comment justified "the uneducated masses". Its true, not racist. You're the racist with a chip on your shoulder finding racism in everyone else;s comments. Find some logic!

Marcel 11/11/2008 3:33:03 PM
Exactly, the criminal does not care about who gets caught in the cross-fire. And that's exactly why we should, else we are just the same. We might say acceptable collateral damage; that person might've been killed anyway; would we say that were it our kid?

Kenroid 11/11/2008 3:33:34 PM
I think it is time for some good old vigilante justice! Where are our boondock saints who can make sure things are taken care of?!?! Alas...thats just a movie......

Vercinge Globus 11/11/2008 3:33:53 PM
Amen, you are the best Mr Richard Hipkin. You made my day with that letter. The police must waste the motherf****s, we are going to see another innocent person die just to live up to the so called Bill of rights. Those species have no souls, get rid of them and you will be doing the entire human race a huge favour and God will love you for it. Those who are opposed to Hipkin view, your politically correctness is scriwing innocent lives. Kill those dogs Mr officer.

CG 11/11/2008 3:46:45 PM
As must as out terrible crime problem in our country is not the greatest of subjects, this artical and the comments just shows that despite colour, race, gender etc that when we agree we agree

CG 11/11/2008 3:54:44 PM
As must as out terrible crime problem in our country is not the greatest of subjects, this artical and the comments just shows that despite colour, race, gender etc that when we agree we agree

Big Bad Bob 11/11/2008 4:18:49 PM
Well I can think of a few reasons why they shouldn't just open fire. Like maybe the guys have their hands up. Like maybe they are running away. Like maybe they have not shown that they are armed. Like it may not be safe to do so. Like how do they know that the guy they are shooting is, in fact, guilty of a crime. And what if the alleged criminal has, say, snatched a cell phone? Are you advocating taking a life for a cell phone?

outtahere 11/11/2008 4:25:28 PM
and aim it at someone else, for any reason other than self defence, you give up all rights to life. Those who live by the sword must die by the sword - reinstate the death penalty.

Francois de bruyn 11/11/2008 5:19:26 PM
Every person has a divine right to protect themselves, family and what they own, violent crimes go beyond simple monetary gain and in most cases resemble torture, so if you want to act like an animal you should be treated as one. I will not hesitate to ensure the criminal (alleged or not) is as dead as a door nail when confronted at home. BRING BACK the DEATH PENALTY NB:In the States if any person is convicted of a crime such as murder, rape etc. they loose the right to vote

Francois de bruyn 11/11/2008 5:19:53 PM
Every person has a divine right to protect themselves, family and what they own, violent crimes go beyond simple monetary gain and in most cases resemble torture, so if you want to act like an animal you should be treated as one. I will not hesitate to ensure the criminal (alleged or not) is as dead as a door nail when confronted at home. BRING BACK the DEATH PENALTY NB:In the States if any person is convicted of a crime such as murder, rape etc. they loose the right to vote

Francois de bruyn 11/11/2008 5:31:00 PM
Every person has a divine right to protect themselves, family and what they own, violent crimes go beyond simple monetary gain and in most cases resemble torture, so if you want to act like an animal you should be treated as one. I will not hesitate to ensure the criminal (alleged or not) is as dead as a door nail when confronted at home. BRING BACK the DEATH PENALTY NB:In the States if any person is convicted of a crime such as murder, rape etc. they loose the right to vote

anonono 11/11/2008 5:53:26 PM
How on earth is SA going to host the 2010 cup? Are all the tourists going to get raped and murdered too? That's going to put south africa in a great public light to the rest of the world!

Jack 11/11/2008 6:04:45 PM
"look how many innocent people are affected by guns from 'responsible' firearm owners". Less than 1% of all criminal acts are committed by legal firearm owners. That is less than 1 in 100! Feel free to verify this fact for yourself.

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