An elderly Toekomsrus man has embarked on a good cause after the latest crime statistics reflected that women and children were left in peril in modern-day society.
Michael Botha, 70, said when he heard Minister of Police, Bheki Cele announce the annual crime statistics for the country recently, his heart bled for the slain and abused victims.
He said the numbers were so staggering that he immediately decided to do his bit to help in his small way.
Over a period of 16 days, Michael ran 500km between Toekomsrus and Leratong Hospital in Krugersdorp, starting at 05:00 every morning to plead with organisations, entities, civil society and even ordinary people to help where they can.
This is also a tribute run for all the women and children who have been killed, and those who are continuously suffering abuse at the hands of those physically stronger than they are,” Michael said.
The pensioner added that his running campaign was aimed at highlighting the seriousness of this situation; saying enough is enough, and something should be done.
He had always wanted to play his part in addressing the matter as he’d been concerned about it for many years. When the Minister released the stats, he took it as confirmation that he should indeed start the initiative.
It deeply resonated with me, because I believe that we should always remember that women and children are a gift from God to us, therefore we have a responsibility to protect them in every way possible.”
He furthered said courts of law should mete out the harshest punishment against the perpetrators so that society is rid of their misdeeds for good.
He encouraged people to pay more attention to what’s happening in their community, and emphasised that by being a close-knit society, those who are vulnerable can be safeguarded.
“In my small way, I hope that people will know the difference between good and bad, because our women and children can’t be living in fear in communities while we live with them in the same society,” Michael added.
