Faith and fear: Helpless witness surviving daylight robbers in Cape Town
There is no place that is safe other that being in the presence ofthe Lord. Psalm 23:4 (NIV) – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me". This blog will dive into the tips on how to deal with the situation.
The reality of daylight robbery Day light robbers are common in Cape Town’s Townships. They act openly without any fear of consequences. Yet, Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” They do it i front of people without any shame. These kinds of robbers get their confidence from their weapons that they carry. When one gets to witness such an incident, their lives are also at steak. One move from the witness, or try to call the people of law, they might get hurt. This kind of crime happens because of Unemployment, greediness, and gang activity. They do it freely because there is a lack of policy visibility.
The witness dilemma Most people being witnessing such a thing and not act, it does not mean they do not want to help, they do want to help but they know if they step into the spot, it will put their own lives at risk. Robbers are usually armed, and quick to retaliate. They are very cautious and make sure those who are around they do not report. It feels powerless when you watch someone getting robbed and there is nothing you can do. You stuck between helping or staying alive, it is rare to have both outcomes. Most people may interpret
the silence from the witness as weakness-it is survival. Most witnesses remain quite due to fear of becoming the next victim. Still, in moments of fear, Psalm 27:1 brings courage: “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall, I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? "Surviving strategies
Even though people feel helpless and powerless they develop surviving and coping strategies. As Proverbs 2:11 reminds us, “Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.” There are possible ways to copy and survive the situation. People must avoid high crime areas and use routs that are safe. It is difficult to rob people walking in groups, so people should walk in groups. They should be extra cautions if they know that the areas they are walking by is not safe. There is an App called Namola that gives you access to the closet emergency service.
In conclusion, daylight robbers in Cape Town townships do not only affect, victims but also the witnesses that remain silence in fear. As much as witnesses just only watch, it is their survival tactic. People in most dangerous townships they must make use of the resources of safety that have been provided. Hopefully, silence is for now, but in future township voices and unity will speak up boldly without fear. As it is written in Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.”