If you have been labouring under the misconception that this murder, rape, assault, thuggery, robbery and brutality (hiding behind Xenophobia) was a million miles away, this weekends violence in Central Johannesburg was a huge wake up call for most. The streets and flat lands of Johannesburg exploded this weekend!

At least 13 people died this weekend, hundreds were injured and thousands displaced in what has brought back memories of the worst of years long forgotten by many of us. It is difficult not to sympathise with people who feel that the spiralling crime, housing shortages and high food costs are a result of our almost non existent border controls and for the government it must, at least from a PR point of view, be more preferable that the foreigners and not their own short comings and policies be blamed for the woes that have befallen their constituents.

But nobody could have anticipated the level of violence and anarchy that has descended. The police seem unable to stem the flow and leaders making speeches behind television cameras and large desks are having no impact. Our presidents call for calm will have about as much effect as mine. What is needed right now is troops on the ground! Police, Army or even the friggin Navy who have nothing to do but polish those submarines we bought with the billions of rands that could have been ploughed into housing and job creation.

Stem the violence first and then start making speeches about what changes we can expect (and make them quickly, the elections are close). Foreigners surfing the net for accommodation and restaurants for 2010 must be having second thoughts, must be wondering whether they will be subjected to the same violence? How do we explain to them “Not to worry we only kill Zimbabweans, cause they took our homes and jobs!” Speak out against this, help where you can. Winter, cold, hunger, will soon be added to the misery already befalling these desperate people.

Now if you are feeling up to visit FLAMES OF HATE. This pictorial essay of violence this weekend is available from The Times and the pictures displayed here are from the essay. WARNING The images are extremely graphic and viewer discretion is advised.

FLAMES OF HATE

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