The title of this post is the
title of a newspaper I read this morning. One I’m typing this sitting next to,
distraught. I haven’t had anything to say for months, which is rare because I
always have something to say, so perhaps I should say I had nothing worth
listening to. But I've been caught up in my own world for a bit now so I again apologize. I however find my heart in turmoil and somber moods this morning,
and felt a need to share with you why. In case you have not picked up this
week’s, The Midweek Sun you probably should. This week’s headline “Beauty and
the beast”a story that describes how, Thabo Masilo a 21 year old Botho College
student raped, robbed and murdered 17 year old Tshepang Motlhabane. I have a
lot of things to say, but my hearts to heavy to say all of them.
I’m not writing this so I can
call Thabo names or call him possessed by demons, or ugly, or a beast because
truth is so many women get raped, robbed and murdered so often you’re more
likely as a woman to get raped than graduate school in some countries. I’m
writing this because of some of the things I read in the article that raised
flags for me. I’m not looking for someone to blame, I’m just highlighting what
went through my head as i read this article, which for lack of better information
is my only source of light as to what happened in that sad home on that day.
“The stranger was 21 year old
Thabo Masilo, a botho collage student. It later turned out the assailant is a
serial thief and rapist on the police wanted list.”_The Midweek Sun I don’t
understand. So we know where this boy goes to school, he has been on a wanted
list and they still couldn't find him? We have a population of about 2 million.
In the whole country, how is it not possible to find these people on “the
wanted list”? How? The police have a show on BTV, have you seen the wanted
list? I want to see it. So I can know. So I can put it up on this blog and you
guys can call them when you see these guys walk down a street. Because you see
them, you walk past them every day. That is an extremely scary thought. That I
probably walked past this guy a billion times in game city, maybe he even hit
on me since Botho College boys are always hitting on me in Game City.
Then the MP Ntuane’s radical
statements on how the security guards should have allowed the people to assault
the criminal. I don’t know man, you’re going to solve the crime in your
constituency by encouraging a different crime? Like really that’s your plan?
Instead of commending the security guards for responding immediately and not
allowing the perpetrator to escape while they waited for the police, you’re
going to ridicule them. Call out the police for not being first on the scene.
“He told us he came under the pretense of inquiring about a servant’s quarters to rent. Then he asked for
water to drink at which point he followed the girl inside the house, locked it,
and proceeded to rape, rob and stab her repeatedly”_ mother (The Midweek Sun)
I live in a village on the
outskirts of Gaborone. Villages are quite, wholesome, one big family, but my neighbors will all tell you I do not open my gate for anyone. I stand inside,
you stand outside we communicate through a wall. It’s a simple safety and
security thing. Something we take for granted. I've therefore put together a
list of simple things to do to ensure your safety as a woman. Maybe not ensure
but improve your safety..
GOING OUT
- · Turn down drinks bought and poured when you’re not present, for the simple reason that they’re more likely to be spiked. This applies to both alcoholic and none. Roofies knows no boundaries.
- · Random rides home? Cabs are not the safest. But they’re safer than a random person you met in the club after a couple of drinks. Opt for cabs with home offices or centers like smiley cabs, hello cabs etc. As compared to the individual cabby.
- · The buddy system. Try to share cabs with your friends rather than each taking their own cab or ride home. That way you can make sure you’re safe.
- · Also watch your friends and who they’re with, the assumption is they’re doing the same for you. Culprits are intimidated by a lurking friend that will not be separated from her friend. They’re less likely to act if a pack of females sticks together.
- · If you’re drinking. Drink responsibly. Blacking out in a car, floor, bathroom is not sexy neither is it safe.
- · Opt to take cycles being the “designated driver” even if no one is actually driving. It makes sense to have at least one of you sober enough to be the brain of the group.
AT HOME
- · Follow your instincts. You are not obliged to open a door for any one you do not know. Neither are you obliged to even answer a door. Even if it’s the police. ( I ignore them at my gate all the time)
- · If you are home alone, do not disclose this information. Try to give the impression that someone is in the house with you. Call out a random name or something if you feel uncomfortable with someone inquiring.
- · Double check locked doors as well as locked gates and closed windows.
- · Refrain from watching TV or listening to music at high volumes as this impairs your capability to hear what is going on outside. That does not mean go outside if you hear something.
WHEN DRIVING
- · Keep your handbag, laptop bag other valuables in the boot of the car or in a place they cannot be seen.
- · Have your windows installed with a shatter proof film, it can both protect you from the sun as well as impair someone’s view of what’s in the car. It can prevent injury if your window is smashed in a smash and grab.
- · Do not pick up hitch hikers, stop for break downs, etc
- · Make sure your car has good maintenance to avoid having a break down in a dangerous place.
- · Learn how to change tyres. A flat tyre can be changed within 45 minutes, less of a security risk than waiting for 2 hours for your knight in shining armor to come save you.
- · Avoid back roads and unlit roads after dark.
Other tips
- · Avoid elevators. No building in Botswana is that high you cannot take the stairs. You do not want to be stuck in an elevator with a person that scares you.
- · Heels make for very good weapons; if you find yourself in a bad situation use them.
If there are anymore tips you’d
like to add. Do post them in the comments box. J
My condolences to the family of
that young girl and may her soul rest in peace.
