Eikestad

While the front page article of Eikestadnuus of 22 February 2008 (Dwelmsmous op straat) may be shocking, this is not the only case in which the outcome of the legal system has caused raised eyebrows.

A taxi driver recently had to pay R150 for a series of offences committed after a female traffic officer had tried to stop him. He ignored her and she gave chase. The taxi did not stop as required by law, but proceeded to Bergzicht Plein. He then got out of his vehicle and tried to flee on foot. The traffic officer pursued and tackled him. On trying to take him back to her car to complete the arrest, she was manhandled by other taxi drivers and the suspect was freed. The taxi was impounded, but then stolen from the Stellenbosch Traffic Department. Upon recovery of the taxi some time later, the driver was traced, arrested and made to pay R150.

When this is the result of all one's efforts, it must be extremely demotivating to serve as a policeman or traffic officer. Hearsay has it that it costs up to R60 000 to join a taxi association.

One expects fines to reflect the economic realities of the day in order to serve as a disincentive to those breaking the law.

It would also be interesting to know what the legal and moral liability is of the landlord of a building in which illegal acts occur.

Once there has been a conviction, can he claim ignorance if it were to recur? How often does he inspect his building? Will he renew his tenant's lease? What restitution is being made to those who have become ensnared by tik? What about the affected families?

While the judgement of the courts is respected, this letter is an appeal to offi?cials of the justice department to prosecute more vigorously and carefully, and to the presiding officers to impose sentences that act as deterrents ? more so than has been the case until now.