I differ from those who suggest deploying the army to deal with crime, as was suggested in Philemon Mnisi's letter last week.

I differ from those who suggest deploying the army to deal with crime, as was suggested in Philemon Mnisi's letter last week.

I also don't agree with Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour saying we must build more prisons.

These two pessimistic notions border on myopia.

Whether we like it or not crime in South Africa is linked to the socioeconomic imbalances created by our history.

Whether the criminal cites hunger, or is simply enriching himself, what needs to be known is that our society was not properly prepared by the post-1994 government to understand the plight of the poor in this country.

I think limiting rights and introducing compulsory studies in prisons would eventually yield some fruit.

Also, releasing petty offenders early won't serve its intended objective because most of the petty offenders are not first-time offenders.

Calling on the army to curb crime will only ensure that we end up having the most highly organised criminals in the world.

And for time misspent while in prison, I say "an idle mind is the way of the devil", which is why petty offenders graduate to be hardened criminals on their release.

Mzukisi Ronyuza, Boipatong