A 13-YEAR-OLD schoolgirl was slashed to death by a parang-wielding man who rushed into the mini-market she was minding while her father was out for supper.

The suspect, from the same village, is believed to be of unsound mind and was once treated at Hospital Bahagia in 1985 (”Girl, 13, slashed to death in random attack” — NST, Jan 3).

We often hear of incidents where people of unsound mind start running berserk, injuring and killing bystanders.

It’s the responsibility of parents and relatives, if these people are staying with them, to monitor their behaviour and activities.

If the situation warrants it, seek treatment.

Similarly, the Welfare Department should work with other agencies to round up the category of people termed as the “rogue and vagabond”, people roaming the streets with no means of support and, in most cases, asking for alms.

Among these people, judging from the way they behave, are people of unsound mind.

Source: NST – January 9, 2008