“If doctors are becoming targets, it’s no wonder so many are emigrating from South Africa.”

I write this post with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.

I am so deeply saddened to have read that Dr Pox, a prominent and loved person of the King Williams Town community was killed yesterday.

I just arrived home and opened an email from my mum asking if I'd read the online Dispatch.
Because of the time difference, it hadn't been updated when I checked in this morning.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I thought of Dr Pox's wife and three children. And all I could think of was WHY THE F**K DID THIS HAPPEN?

Apart from being deeply upset at the loss of such a great man, I am EXTREMELY PISSED OFF that such a disgusting thing has happened....again.

Who the hell gives someone the right to take another person's life. I could go on forever on this topic trying to figure out what drives a person to KILL.

The title of this post is a quote from Dr Helmut Fritsche (a local SA Medical Assoc spokesperson).

Before coming to South Korea, numerous people said to me, "You must come back to your country... It's fine to go away for an adventure for a year or two, but you must give back to your country."

WHY? Why would I want to live in a country where I have to constantly look over my shoulder in case someone is going to come after me with a freaking weapon to kill me?

I've been here in Korea for 2 months, and apart from missing my FATHER, MOTHER and BROTHER, I miss nothing else....

I go out when I please, and come home the next morning if I wish - alone...using public transport. Of course, I am cautious but not to the extent where I have to make sure all 3 locks are locked before putting my head down for the night.

I'm really really annoyed that such a barbaric act has occurred. People's lives are taken every single day, but one only feels the sting when you knew the deceased personally.

Above all, he was a doctor - a respected and loved one at that. The country is forever crying that professionals are leaving SA for other countries. I don't blame them.

Who in their right mind takes the life of someone who SAVES lives?

I'd say I've grown up in a pretty politically-aware home. I've always loved SA and been very proud to say I am a South African. But when I read of atrocities - especially with the likes of Lucky Dube's murder (amongst many others) and now Dr Pox, I say - leave the damn country...

I hope the people responsible for this and other stomach-wrenching tragedies will be caught and severely punished.