The country is being held hostage by unknown faces who bomb ATMs on a daily basis.

So far I have not heard one government official condemning such acts.

Perhaps they think it is the banks' problems. But how long will it take before these criminals threaten and rob households and businesses using the same explosives?

It seems not much is being done to investigate this type of crime. Since the first explosion about three years ago the police have not explained how these thugs get the explosives in the first place.

This problem must be resolved speedily because it might put off prospective investors who might perceive the country as being unstable.

Everyone would like to live in a safe and secure environment. Owing to the laxness at our borders our country has compromised its security.

The country's unregulated borders have made it easier for weapons to be smuggled in.

With 2010 just around the corner it is imperative that measures be taken to ensure that visitors will not be threatened in any way.

If our borders have to be monitored, regardless of the ANC's inane sentimentality about illegal immigrants, we should do so speedily and without hesitation.

If the ANC is obliged to repay its debts to all countries that hosted them it should be planned and not a free for all.

Phillimon Mnisi,

Johannesburg