These terrible acts must be prevented

PIERRE Korkie kept hostage for a R30-million ransom, more than 200 teenage girls kidnapped in Nigeria, a pregnant woman beaten and stoned to death by her family for marrying the man she loved, and a woman sentenced to 100 lashings and then death by hanging for marrying a Christian! What do all of these news stories this year have in common?

The audacious perpetrators are "peace-loving" Muslims.

In 1998 I missed being blown up at the Cape Town Waterfront's Planet Hollywood by less than eight minutes and I still recall that young Muslim lad asking an innocent patron seated 1m away from me if he wouldn't mindholding his plastic bag for him. I continue to kick myself for dismissing my immediate concerns about the situation, believing the gullible victim must have known the youngster from whom he was accepting the bomb-enclosed package!

I have met Muslims who are truly kind, generous and loving people, but it is when I try to understand, respect and tolerate their strict Islamic rules that I battle.

Witnessing acts of terror, barbarism and a complete lack of religious tolerance makes me wonder why anyone would want to follow a faith that promotes so much cruelty towards those brave enough to stand up for what they truly believe in.

Surely these people must be prevented from committing such evil deeds – all in the name of Allah?

Name supplied, Port Elizabeth