The Chinese population in South Africa is minuscule. It is shocking then, that almost every week a Chinese person is a victim of a horrendous crime. They are not only robbed, murdered or hijacked, but are subjected to merciless beatings and attacks.

The Chinese population in South Africa is minuscule. It is shocking then, that almost every week a Chinese person is a victim of a horrendous crime. They are not only robbed, murdered or hijacked, but are subjected to merciless beatings and attacks.

Recently, Special Assignment highlighted the brutality against Gavin Poo, a motor mechanic. He suffered boiling- water and melted-plastic burns before he was robbed.

A week ago, a young man was killed in Buccleuch and his mother was shot in the face. This last weekend, two men and a woman were shot dead in Midrand after withdrawing money to pay their staff. Another woman was shot in Ormonde.

This action smacks of racism against Chinese who seem to be singled out. Crime is committed against other races too, but seldom do we see the brutality that is used against the Chinese. Is it because they are easier to intimidate and less aggressive? Are they perceived as having more money? Even the Metro police intimidate them, demanding passports and threatening to lock them up if they don't pay.

Chinese have lived in the townships for years. Many unskilled Chinese made a living running grocery stores, butcheries and fah-fee.

It is painful that people with whom they share a common background of hardship and disadvantage should be so brutal.

Sam Ford, Sandton