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We have a duty to help

Your story "Sex-starved fiancée" in Wednesday's edition refers.

The last sentence of the article says: "He is making my life miserable. I have even contemplated suicide".

The story reminded me of the so-called Samurai sword killer. As I was following the trial of the boy who killed a fellow pupil with a sword, I was disappointed to read that the boy actually mentioned his intentions to his friends but they thought he was joking. They were probably right to think he was joking - I would have thought so too.

The lesson we should draw from that tragedy is to take these threats seriously. This is not to suggest that we become a nation of panicmongers but must be vigilant and helpful to our friends, families, colleagues and even strangers.

A caring society means that if I know of a person who is being battered and tormented but is afraid to seek help, we should assist by alerting the relevant authorities. Often we don't and people get killed or kill themselves to "stop" the abuse.

A caring society means that if my neighbours are indigent and deserve some type of assistance from an NGO or government, I should assist by pointing them in the right direction.

It is our duty to assist fellow citizens to access these services, even if it means giving a man R20 for bus fare to Home Affairs or Social Development to access free counselling services .

Mack Lewele, Randburg

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