It is true that human beings tend to inflict injuries on fellow man. These injuries are not always physical. Some are emotional and some are material.
A man who is robbed of his life savings is likely going to die from the shock and knowing that is all he has in the whole world.
A man who won a contract and was given cash as part payment but got robbed on his way home will most likely commit suicide to escape the shame and trauma of not completing his job.
Both men were victims of robbery. These are typical example of crimes and what we face in this world.
There are many instances of such crimes, we have murder, rape, smuggling, piracy, drugs, and petty thieves.
These are some of the crimes the world is facing and are trying to eliminate. Many things have been put in place to discourage people from these acts but with with no success.
The world seem to thrive on evil than good. No doubt, these crimes are shortcut to 'wealth' but have ethical questions.
No matter how we try, there will always be people who will defy all odds to engage in crime. No place without one crime or the other.
Now that it is evident that we live among these people, is death penalty a sure way to free our world from these crimes?
It has been suggested in some quarters that death sentence should be meted on rapist. This is believed to make people refrain from such act.
But will this really solve it? Will rapist stop knowing they will be killed? Has killing ever stopped a crime?
The idea is to create fear. Something we call deterrent.
It is meant to serve as example for others so that they will desist from it but reality check, it has not fulfilled that goal.
Obviously, man's evil is stronger than him. Some people thrive in this and they probably need more than death sentence to retrace their steps.
One who decides to engage in crime knows clearly that he either succeeds or be caught. So they know what they are going into.
While death seems reasonable as punishment, it doesn't solve the problem as many are already bent with doing crimes.
So another approach should be adopted. Perhaps those who engage in rape should be castrated and made to endure life devoid of sexual pleasure as a punishment.
Robbers, smugglers should be sentenced to some years in rehabilitation centres. They should be taught life afresh and let them see the goodness in themselves and make them see that they have good in themselves.
Murderers should be made to endure death pain to realise what those they killed went through. If they come to realization, then they should be rehabilitated.
These people can work in the force and perhaps redeem themselves and do good for their countries.
While these crimes look unforgivable, we know only God have that power. Our own is to forgive and put everything in God's hands.
Perhaps you have a different opinion, let's hear it. For me, death is never an answer for crime.
Thanks for your time.