Originally published October 20, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified October 20, 2007 at 2:02 AM
South Africa carjackers kill a music legend
A wave of anger and shock has followed the killing this week of reggae music legend Lucky Dube by car hijackers, with politicians from across...
Los Angeles Times
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — A wave of anger and shock has followed the killing this week of reggae music legend Lucky Dube by car hijackers, with politicians from across the spectrum calling for a renewed effort in South Africa to reduce one of the world's highest murder rates.
Killings for a cellphone, a few dollars or old household goods barely rate headlines, but the shooting Thursday night of Dube, 43, one of Africa's most renowned musicians, in front of his teenage son and daughter horrified South Africans from President Thabo Mbeki down.
South African police set up a task force Friday to track down the three suspects who confronted Dube as he dropped off his son and daughter at home Thursday night.
Dube recorded more than 20 albums over the past 25 years and toured extensively. Much of his work had political or social messages, including strong anti-apartheid themes. His last album, released in 2005, was named "Respect" and included songs with such titles as "Political Games," "Changing World " and "Celebrate Life."
Crime has been a political hot potato since the end of the apartheid era, but despite its boasts of success, the African National Congress government remains under pressure to better control the violence, with the country due to host the 2010 soccer World Cup. Nearly 20,000 people a year are murdered in South Africa.
Some politicians called Friday for the reinstatement of the death penalty, and the opposition Democratic Alliance said Dube's slaying was more evidence that crime continued to spiral out of control.
"The circumstances surrounding his murder again illustrate that violent crime in South Africa is out of control, and that government's remedies to address this scourge have failed," alliance spokeswoman Desiree van der Walt said.
The attack came during a surge in national pride as South Africa's rugby team, the Springboks, prepared for the World Cup final in France today.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
Obama seeks equal partnership in Asia
NYC trial for 9/11 suspects poses risks
Fort Hood gunman contacted Pakistan, lawmaker says
Immigration on White House agenda

Opening day at Crystal Mountain
Skiers crowded the slopes at Crystal Mountain for one of the resort's earliest openings.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Seattle U. Men's Hoops | Big recruit goes from Huskies to Redhawks
- Mariners sign Jack Wilson to 2-year contract
- Razor found in muffin an accident, 'mortified' baker says
- Suspect's family shaken by slaying of police officer
- Mountlake Terrace woman reports razor in muffin
- Man says he will protest city's gun ban by carrying gun into community center
- OSU game thread
678 - Police investigate videotaped arrest
635 - Seattle man to pack a pistol into community center to protest mayor's ban
357 - GOP clueless as families struggle with health care
197 - NYC trial for 9/11 suspects poses risks
132 - Kent man challenges Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels' gun ban
102 - Band of advocates, activists now McGinn's likely insiders
101 - Wright State game thread
97 - Licata looks at boosting traffic-ticket revenue
89 - Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
71
- Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- Ivar's undersea billboards a hoax devised as marketing ploy
- Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- An 802.11n upgrade could make a big difference
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Washington in race for federal education funds
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Goodwill's Glitter Sale is Nov. 14-15








