My father had a favourite saying: 'Ten days crook must get caught one day'

My father once said, "Ten days crook must get caught one day." At the time, I thought it was just a saying of an old man, perhaps an optimistic outlook on life. However, I now realize that he was speaking of something much deeper. He wasn't merely referring to police efficiency or the fact that the system works most of the time. Instead, he was emphasizing the fundamental truth that no matter how many chances one has, there comes a day when their luck runs out, and they are caught.

This concept is encapsulated in another saying: "You live by the sword, you die by the sword." My father's wisdom went beyond just the criminal justice system; it was about understanding the nature of crime and its consequences. Growing up in South Africa, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, I've witnessed both the richness of our culture and the prevalence of crime, corruption, and hatred. It is a reality that affects people from all walks of life, regardless of their background or community.

To effectively combat crime, we must address the root causes and ensure that criminals believe justice will eventually catch up with them. This is where the work of commissions like the Zondo Commission and Madlanga Commission becomes crucial. They uncover the extent to which state institutions have been infiltrated by criminal syndicates and expose the corruption that exists within the criminal justice system itself. Their findings are essential in maintaining public trust and confidence in the legal process.

However, commissions and arrests alone cannot solve the problem of crime. We need a more proactive approach that instills fear in criminals, making them believe that they will be caught, regardless of how long it takes. For instance, Singapore faced similar challenges with gang activity, organized crime, and corruption. Under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, the government took a firm stance against these issues, strengthening institutions, increasing technology and surveillance, and enforcing severe punishments.

While we cannot copy Singapore's approach entirely, we can learn from their success in making criminals believe that the odds are against them.

In conclusion, my father's wisdom resonates even more strongly in today's South Africa. By embracing the idea that "Ten days crook must get caught one day" and implementing measures to ensure justice prevails, we can create a safer and more just society for all South Africans.