Dear Editor,
The brutal murder of Samuel Grannum in the heart of the city, by as many as six men, shows the evil and horrific mentality of some in this society. Additionally, the act shows that lawlessness and a lack of concern by those in authority, prevail. The perpetrators felt emboldened to attack and kill someone in the midst of numerous onlookers and passersby. Someone wielding a baseball bat on another person would know that the outcome could be deadly. I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy to Grannum’s parents, siblings, relatives and friends.
Grannum was a responsible member of society pursuing a course of study at the Government Technical Institute (GTI). He was probably envisaging a long and successful future before being viciously pounced upon and overpowered by that group of thugs. His life and future were taken as if he was an annoying and dangerous fly to be swatted.
I will reiterate that police need to be assigned to these heavily trafficked and pedestrian areas, especially around the municipal markets, bus parks and business districts. However, our crime stoppers/fighters (police, on motorcycles and in vehicles) are busy stopping people for minor traffic offenses and tint on their vehicles. That is the responsibility of the traffic police. Senior police must be aware of the dereliction of duties of their subordinates and enforce corrective action. Likewise, the Minister of Home Affairs and the Ministry need to show signs that they are making headway into reducing crime and preventing such heinous and public acts as the needless murder of young Samuel Grannum.
Sincerely,
Conrad Barrow
