www.MyPE.co.za: I do not know what it is
about me, but I am a true blue, dyed in the wool cynic. Many emails cross my
screen purporting to increase my sexual prowess, girth and stamina. In addition
there are innumerable friendly persons out there who recognise my financial
lightness and want to increase the strength of my bank account. And, of course
there are the mails that have just that right touch of authenticity that
circulate. A recent example was the kidnapping of young girls in preparation for
the expected increase in sexual demands by sweaty paedophile footballer
supporters.
All of them touch familiar buttons; young victims, black criminals and near
death. Just enough salaciousness and fear is injected into these urban legends
so as to get Mommy sufficiently indignant to pushe that cc button again and
again as she spreads the latest juicy gossip.
What is it about a computer and email that makes people believe everything
that they read without question? But, tell them that it is raining outside and
they will check. As a consequence I get sent many mails for the once over and
received one today that has just the right ingredients for a juicy drama;
The Boardwalk, youngsters, mugging, touching of a young girl, near death and
praise for the police. The email received, titled "BOARDWALK" follows:
Hi
The Boardwalk is no longer a good idea for teenagers who have now become
the soft targets of lawless thugs. Apparently the younger group like
going here for the movies and then to Milky Lane afterwards. I have always seen
the
place as reasonably safe ivo the good security and the fact that it is
well maintained and well lit up at night. After this story I will not be
allowing my 14 year old daughter anywhere near there in the evening.
My friend has a 15 year old daughter who, with her 17 year boyfriend
went to the Boardwalk on Saturday night to see a movie. At 10.30pm they
were waiting for a lift at the entrance on the beachfront side. When
they got there there were quite a few people around them but then they
suddenly became aware that there were three black men armed with a knife
and a gun standing in front of them demanding money and cell phones. My
friend's 15 year old daughter was "body searched" by one of the
robbers--he had his hands in her clothing and up her skirt. They then
turned their attention to the 17 year old boyfriend who attempted to put
up a fight--he ended up with slash across the neck from the
knife--fortunately not too deep to be fatal but very bloody. The one
robber was then heard to say to the other with
the gun: "No, don't shoot them..." They then ran off.
The police arrived promptly but could not apprehend the robbers so the
perpetrators are still out there.
My friend feels that the children got off lightly --her daughter could
have been raped and both the teenagers murdered. Imagine having a knock
at your door at 11pm at night and finding two policemen on your doorstep
escorting two shocked young teenagers with blood all over their
clothing--this is what my friend saw last Saturday night.
Please pass this story on to the parents in your circle so that this
does not happen to one of their children. I am sending to everyone that
I can think of that has teenage (or close to) children.
Lesley Corlett
A legitimate concern is the normal person's reaction. BUT, you are not
dealing with normal when I am concerned. I hate unsubstantiated rumours.
First off I tried to get hold of Lesley Corlett in the Telephone Book and at
1023 - surprise, surprise, no listings.
Then I phoned the Boardwalk and spoke to Steve Taylor who said; "We have been
in contact with Humewood Police who have no record of any mugging taking place
on Saturday night." Shaun van Eck, Marketing Manager of the Boardwalk had the
following to say; "The Boardwalk security has no record of any mugging at the
Marine Drive entrance to The Boardwalk on Saturday evening, June 23. We would
welcome any further information on the alleged incident. The Boardwalk prides
itself in providing a safe and secure environment for all our guests."
Summerstrand Ward Councillor, Lesley Lowe had no knowledge of the email or
incident but happened to be in a meeting with Superintendent Solani of the
Humewood Police who requested a faxed copy of the email in order that he may
investigate further and revert.
Let us have a look at the alleged incident a little bit more in depth:
- The incident allegedly took place at Marine Drive entrance to the
Boardwalk and I can only surmise that it was on Marine
Drive and NOT within the Boardwalk premises.
- Who phoned the police if the couple's cellphones were stolen?
- I do not let my 15 year old son wait for me in and public area, let
alone cavort at any entertainment area at 10:30 p.m. I do not expect any
well meaning and caring parent to display such a callous disregard for their
child.
- The safest place to wait is at the entrance closest to the movies and
Milky Lane, so why did they walk all the way to the other entrance for their
lift after going to Milky Lane?
- They have cellphones, easy enough for Mommy or Daddy to phone the young
couple, and, when Mommy or Daddy enters through the 2nd Avenue entrance to
phone their young charges and request them to wait in a pre-designated
pick-up area?
- They were waiting for a lift, but the police took them home covered in
blood. What happened to the lift? Is this another example of a caring parent who
now infers to all and sundry that it is the Boardwalks fault that her precious
children, who should have been home at that time of the night, were 'mugged'?