THE EDITOR, Sir:
CAN SOMEONE help me? What is the name of that school headmaster chased and killed approximately two years ago while playing dominoes with his friends. I am also trying to remember the names of the young policeman killed while manning his police station and that of the man shot and killed in the same incident while using the public phone booth nearby. For the life of me I cannot recall their names.
I must admit I am not good at remembering names. I forget them far too easily. In situations such as these it would be helpful to be reminded by something: a news item, a documentary, maybe even a public demonstration. Alas, I have neither heard nor seen anything recently to remind me of the names of these murdered men.
I do not have this problem with the names of those who are alleged to have murdered them though. In the name of 'justice', persons have honoured them with a candlelight vigil, public demonstrations and even a documentary. The news media has interviewed almost all of their families, neighbours and friends.
On the anniversary of the deaths of their victims I saw no candlelight vigil. I saw no public demonstrations. I saw no interview of their families, their neighbours or their friends. I heard no words of comfort being offered to them. I have no idea how they have been coping with their untimely loss. In the search for 'justice' no one it seems cares for their pain and suffering. They seem to have been forgotten.
I would like to assure the families, neighbours and friends of these men, that not everyone has forgotten these real victims two years ago. I would like to assure them that though I can't recall their names, every time I am forcefully reminded of their killers, I will remember them also. I hope and pray that you find some comfort in this, and that you passed the anniversary comforting one another with the fond memories of the times they spent with you and not brooding over the violent manner in which they lost their lives.
I am, etc.,
GARTH GIBSON
