Dear Editor,
The police in my home village of Aurora have been very unprofessional. I am a victim of an assault which caused me actual bodily harm, the perpetrator being a well-known businessman who is still to be prosecuted for the offence which was committed on February 2.
On that day, while relaxing on my motorcycle at Supenaam there was an argument between the two of us. He had accused me of owing him some money, although this was not so, and after calm was restored, he unexpectedly delivered three severe cuffs to my right eye which became very painful and swollen as a consequence, impairing my vision. A report was immediately made at that station and I was given a medical form to see a GMO at the Suddie Hospital, which I did.
However, in the absence of an eye specialist on duty at the time, I had to see one privately. A statement was taken from me and from enquiries made at the station I was advised that the businessman had been charged to appear at the Suddie Court on Monday (February 15).
After spending the entire day there, this was not to be, and from further enquiries the S/O himself gave me the assurance that the charge had been filed and the matter was now fixed for Thursday (February 18). Again another day was wasted, and it now becomes questionable as to whether the businessman would ever be prosecuted. Why should this man who also smashed my helmet enjoy immunity?
Justice must not be seen as a one-sided affair and the rule of law needs to be maintained at all times, irrespective of who is involved.
During my two wasted days at the court, several other persons were complaining of being faced with the same predicament
In my humble opinion, the police need to see it as an obligation to ensure that no unnecessary inconvenience and hardship is caused at any time to a member of the public, having regard to the fact that “who feels it knows it,” especially in these hard times of impecuniosity.
Yours faithfully,
Kamaluddin Mohamed
Rafee