This week Sowetan covered a story about a young woman who was stripped and sexually molested at the Noord Street taxi rank.

This week Sowetan covered a story about a young woman who was stripped and sexually molested at the Noord Street taxi rank.

The story said such incidents happen often and that there had been numerous victims. This is not exclusive to South Africa. There have been similar cases in other African countries. What is of concern is how conservative some sections of society still are. The rank incident is a true reflection of the mentality that women are objects, which of course is not the case.

Our Constitution clearly states that everyone has rights that should be protected. That woman was wearing what women the world over wear, and her figure was right for that outfit. No one can hide behind culture because most traditional gear exposes thighs, tummies and breasts. Why isn't anyone making a fuss about that?

This problem of disrespect and arrogance is contagious and destructive. It questions the values that some people hold and the way they reflect themselves.

Unfortunately this can manifest itself negatively in social and political circles where unwritten and unfair rules on how people should present themselves are held on to.

It says much about an insecurity problem which needs psychological attention. The perpetrators need to be brought to book and given counselling.

Keletso Thobega, Tshwane