The fatal stabbing of yet another teenager this week reopened the wounds of violence and killings that often plague our communities.
But through the pain, heartache, anger and vows of vengeance, it also highlights shortcomings in our society. Many resorted to social media in the hopes that this will bring awareness to the situation, but sadly the truth is that people are already aware. The bitter pill to swallow is that these incidents occur too often, too easily and without recourse. Youths fighting, carrying pangas and spewing death threats in their wake is something many will attest to be nothing out of the ordinary.
It’s not awareness that will address this issue, but preventative measures, hard work in building youth and community structures, providing a base of hope and belonging to the vulnerable and – most importantly – decidedly, real definitive action from authorities, especially the police.
Rounding up youngsters is not enough. Walking around in bullet-proof vests is just a show, and shouting never achieves anything. The police must be enforcers of law, not just responders.
