UPDATE 4: MP says thieves demanded €10,000

Frans Sammut

Aug 14th 2008, 19:37

I think D. Fenech's comment is the most relevant regarding the current situation in Malta.
I can hardly find words to express my regret that it had to be such a fine person's case to shed more light on this situation.
On behalf of my family and our Zebbug friends, II wish Prof Zammit a speedy recovery not just from the injuries he sustained but from the trauma he must have undergone.

Lawrence Bonello

Aug 14th 2008, 17:38

Such acts are despicable on ANY member of society, be it an illustrious surgeon or just the common man in the street. However, knowing Mr Zammit personally, I felt it to be even more shocking.
This professional gentleman has won acclaim not only for his surgical skills but also for his exemplary bedside manners. He deserves to be considered as a role model for all medical professionals.
Get well soon, Mr Zammit.

pat morgan

Aug 14th 2008, 16:49

This lovely man operated on my dad in law 11 or 12 years ago when he was on holiday in Malta.He gave him many more years of a full life.Recently when we were on holiday and with our maltese friends at the ralley in Birzebbuga for Joseph Muscatt our friends uncle collapsed and was cared for by him.When the gentleman was better And we knew he was the surgeon we approached him and thanked him for his work on Dad.Mr Zammit wanted to know his name and rembered him! I was impressed that such a man was mixing with the crowd and gave his services so willingly.I am sure this could only happen on your island.You may worry about crime but even coming from a small town in England I feel much safer in Malta.Our town is twinned wirh Marsa and we love coming to you.

Vince Piscopo

Aug 14th 2008, 15:52

On behalf of my family, I wish Mr Zammit a speedy recovery. He is an outstanding surgeon and a great gentleman with a noble heart.

J P Galea

Aug 14th 2008, 14:38

All the police force should be equipped with modern equipment and weapons not just special units. all officers should be issued with a personal firearm so if a case like this unfortunately happens again at least they could have fired a warning shot.
Hope you get well soon professor.

Joseph Duca

Aug 13th 2008, 20:51

Wishing Mr. Zammit a speedy recovery, although one can never forget the trauma of such a serious incident. Its nice to see these expressions of solidarity with Mr. Zammit, because he is a true gentleman. The criminals should be caught and taught a lesson. I think there is enough evidence for the police to track the aggressors.

EMMANUEL MAZZITELLI

Aug 13th 2008, 20:02

THE MONSTER OF VIOLENT CRIME IS REARING ITS HEAD ONCE AGAIN. IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT OUR POLICE FORCE SHOULD BE WELL EQUIPPED AND ALERT TO FIGHT CRIME. IT IS THE GOVERNMENT'S DUTY TO MODERNISE THE POLICE CORPS AND INVEST IN THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCES. IT IS A PITY THAT A 314 SQUARE KILOMETRE ISLAND IS BEST BY WANDERING CRIMINALS. THE COURTS SHOULD HAND DOWN STRICTER PENALTIES.

gaffarena joseph

Aug 13th 2008, 19:26

I, was really shocked about the news.
I, know Mr. Zammit well,and was very wsorry to hear what happened to him.
Wish you a speedy recovery,

D Fenech

Aug 13th 2008, 18:16

E Micallef's statement " I feel that everything is spiralling out of control." really reflects the mood of the Maltese nation at present and that is NOT a good sign!

Nik Xuereb Conti

Aug 13th 2008, 17:27

One major problem in this country is the constant finger pointing at the various sides. BLUE RED GREEN whichever the political opinion, anywhere in the world, there will always be Junkies, Villians, Murders etc commiting crimes. For as long as we are brought up in a global society of greed, lust and ignorance crime will always have its mark on our communities.

Nik Xuereb Conti

Aug 13th 2008, 17:13

"Mr Schembri, who looks after Mr Zammit's house, said he received a call from the police at about 4.30 a.m. ASKING HIM TO GO TO MR.ZAMMITS HOUSE"

I guess not much thought was given before this call was made. What if some of the aggressors were still around the house? No one other then armed officers should have entered the house, you'd expect this to be standard police procedure. Mr Schembri could have been easily put at risk.

Joseph Muscat

Aug 13th 2008, 16:50

I heard of a similar case were they cut the finger of this person in his own home. They demanded a ransom to return the finger. Off course, it would have been a bit ironic if somethig like this had happended to Dr Zammit, him being a surgeon and all.

Let's hope these incidents don't become common place.

S. Ferrito

Aug 13th 2008, 14:26

I also wish to express my solidarity with Mr Zammit. He truly is one of the best Surgeons in Malta who indeed saved many lives.

Wishing you a speedy recovery Mr Zammit.

E. Micallef

Aug 13th 2008, 14:09

I live in Zebbug and I witnessed the shock of the villagers when the news was spread by word of mouth; to a man, Professor Zammit was hailed a good person through and through. It is distressing when events happen so close to home that one feels 'that could so easily have been me'. Crime is crime, wherever it happens and to whomever, and it is always deplorable. What is strange is that here on Malta the government is immediately to blame and the police are dismissed as of no consequence. We live on a very small Island, what made Malta a good place is fast disappearing and I often have a sense of panic as I feel that everything is spiralling out of control. We do need discipline more than we ever have before; a strong government and a no nonsense police force can help and, somehow, we must restore in people a respect for authority. As with children, if we do not have boundaries we cannot feel secure, and if there is no regard for anything or anyone then, where are we going? Please tell me because I am finding it very difficult to like living here.

J Micallef

Aug 13th 2008, 13:37

I wish to express my solidarity with Prof. Zammit.

All such crimes are vile and cruel, this is exceptionally so. Attacking a gentleman who works so hard to help others is a crime against society. Indeed it's disgusting. What if he had a critical patient waiting for operation?

I hope that the forensics manage to bring up all the evidence so that the culprits are caught. A quick flip through the police records would probably show that if any fingerpriots were left at the scene, these have a name.

It 's no use blaming this and that - PC's on beat cannot be everywhere at the same time, while aggressors strike when it's least expected. The mobile squads do a grand job, on the other hand, as these are usually close at hand if there's an emergency call.

I guess, as they say, a dog is a man's best friend, so I'm seriously considering adopting a german-shepherd gaurd-dog!

The only amusing thing about this story is how they getaway car failed to start - showing some gross lack of 'professionalism'. So they ran away. I guess a faithful dobermann would have given them a good 'run' for their money, huh?

Paul Savona

Aug 13th 2008, 13:09

I was last living in Trinidad where my neighbor, a husband and father of two was kidnapped for ransom, accidentally murdered when they cut an artery and then beheaded. The head was never found.
In a separate incident, during a home robbery an elderly couple were murdered while they were babysitting their grandchildren, both under 5. The parents found the children alive and amongst the bodies when they came to pick them up after a few hours of shopping.

A friend of my niece (age 19) was raped and strangled to death with a telephone chord.

I am happy to read that Mr. Zammit is alive to tell the tale.

Malta is still a relatively safe place to bring up children. The reason I returned.

I do not condone violence, and I do sympathize with any victim of crime, however, I feel lucky to live in a country where the extent of an armed break-in and forced abduction leads to nothing serious but for a few bruises.

Let's hope it does not escalate.

P Sultana

Aug 13th 2008, 11:51

The perpetrators must have left ton loads of forensic clues. This should be an open and shut case.

shaun camilleri

Aug 13th 2008, 11:01

Why aren't constables assigned beats like in the UK? That way they would get to know the people on their beat and at the same time have a presence on the streets rather than locking themselves up in their stations. The beats to be beaten on foot not in a car!

When people get to know their constable/s they'll open up and that way the costables can get information on what goes on.

Karl Abela

Aug 13th 2008, 09:52

@ Pauline Barbara:
I appreciate your comments but I still don’t agree with you. You will keep on blaming the government for ever and ever for lack of protection because there can never be enough police to watch over every corner of the island. Prevention is always better than cure by investing in better education (which the government is doing) and good upbringing by the parents (which is not happening enough because they are too busy minding their own careers). Maybe your wish will come true when the government hires a satellite in space to monitor every action in our streets. But then you need to be prepared to accept the fact that you are being watched in your own private bed and bathroom.

Claudette Abela Baldacchino

Aug 13th 2008, 09:43

Solidarity with Mr Zammit who has saved so many lives including mine.

Magaret Camailleri

Aug 13th 2008, 09:08

It is shameful!!!!!!!!!!!. how could anybody do something so awful to Profs Zammit. I heartily wish Profs Zammit a speedy recovery and will go back to take care of all his patients. Profs Zammit deserved the Republic Medal for he is dedicated to his work and his patients. His dedication knows no time and limit. I know what I am saying. I was one of his patients. Thank you from my heart. Hope the police in no time will find the aggressors and get what they deserve.

Joe Galea

Aug 13th 2008, 07:53

I happened to have known Prof. Zammit for ages now. I went to visit him yesterday after the aggression, he was beaten up badly and threatened with firearms and was hit with these firearms and whatever came to their hand. They tried to choke him and break his leg. Thank God he is of a strong build, if it was me instead I would have died with the first blow with the chip of the gun on the side of the head. He has bruises all over his body including a very horrible looking black eye.

I hope the criminals will be caught and hopefully they wouldn't be granted bail but a long sentence in prison. We have to keep in mind that people who go through a trauma like this, they keep going with that traumatic feeling for very long time with most of them becoming paranoid. It's a horrible experience.

I wish Prof. Zammit a speedy recovery. He is a life saver in it's true meaning. May God protect you all the way.

M.Bezzina

Aug 13th 2008, 02:41

I wish a speedy recovery to our one of the best surgeons in Malta Mr.Zammit.I show my solidarity with Dr Zammit.

Stephe Sultana

Aug 12th 2008, 23:02

Wishing Hon Prof Zammit a speedy recovery - having no doubt that our local police will do their utmost to catch these criminals.

Maria Castelletti

Aug 12th 2008, 22:37

btw i really agree with eric saliba! 100% ahjar indahhlu naqa melh fmohhna mhux dejjem mohhna fl-istilel!

Maria Castelletti

Aug 12th 2008, 22:33

Solidarity with Prof Zammit...he has treated many members of my family and myself as well in the past and even in the present. If it weren't for him my dad wouldn't still be alive today. We could never thank him enough for what he has done for us. His kindness and gentleness is one of a kind.

I cannot imagine how anyone with a heart could do such brutal things to this outstanding person with such a noble heart! I hope justice will be done and I pray to God for Prof Zammit's health and wish him a quick recovery.

Another thing I really do not think this was done by illegal immigrants. these people were maltese and they knew exactly what they were doing and who he is!

Shame on the police force if they do not find these thieves asap!

A Daley

Aug 12th 2008, 22:06

To all those 49% that are now livid at what is happening in our Island.

Go back a few years and remember what EFA used to say when there was some incident that happened in them days!

No matter what it was, whether it was drug related, delinquency, teenage pregnancy, oil price hike, world recession, you name it, and it was always the fault of the Labour administration.

So yes, whatever happens now, it is the Government’s fault, no matter what!

What a bunch of hypocrites!

Rachel Aquilina

Aug 12th 2008, 21:53

Mr Zammit is a close family friend and a very professional surgeon, who had saved many a lives. He did not deserve all this but who does anyway!! I cannot figure out how 3 thieves, entered Mr Zammit's residence unnoticed.For those who do not know, his residence is situated in the midst of Zebbug Sqaure, door to door with a local bank which I presume has cameras installed. But then again we already heard of switched off bank cameras in hold ups!!!

Mr Anthony Zammit I truly wish you a speedy recovery and may these criminals have what they deserve.

A.Gauci Cunningham

Aug 12th 2008, 21:02

....solidarity with Mr.Zammit and all those who have passed through similar situations.......I'm sure Mr.Zammit would do with a prayer or two and a word of encouragement from everyone from all the political spectrum and all those of goodwill

Daley------Shameful that anyone would try to take disgusting mileage from such an inhumane situation! Shame on you!! Vera jmissek tisthi ( .....cause in maltese I express disgust better)

silvio parnis m.p

Aug 12th 2008, 20:48

solidarity with Mr Zammit...................you are a gentelman and a humble person
Silvio PARNIS M.P

victor vella

Aug 12th 2008, 20:13

Whilst wishing Mr Zammit well and also a speedy recovery so that he can continue with the sterling services he gives his patients, I ask , Is all the fuss because Mr Zammit is an MP? I suffered a break in at my house and it didn't even make the news, this was back in 1989, no big deal I got back on my feet thanks to the good lord. Once again I would like to ask all those moaners and opportunists to stop kicking at the government for anything that happens on the island, if you want to kick the goverment be my guests but please choose valid subjects.or are you out of them?maybe there isn't much one can blame the government in so they use each opportunity to hit at the government.
@ Mr Turner I assume you are an English gentlemen, if so start writing to the sunday times complaining about the state of affairs in your country.
@ Mr Grima, I agree with you that we are swamped with illegal migrants and foreigners but I do not think that they have come this far YET.
REGARDS TO ALL

dominic zammit

Aug 12th 2008, 20:11

Solidarity with Mr. Anthony Zammit...Wishing you a speedy recovery so that you keep on serving people both as a professor and a politician. Best wishes from all the family.

Mark Bugeja

Aug 12th 2008, 20:06

We are very shocked that the criminality is arising drastically in Malta. Solidarity with Prof Anthony Zammit.. Wishing Profs Zammit a very Speedy Recovery!

eric saliba

Aug 12th 2008, 19:47

first of all i would like to express solidarity with mr zammit and all victims of similar violence.
pardon my being ignorant but i thought that govt is responsible to ensure the citizen's safety.
so why are some ppl getting so excited bcoz some bloggers here are pointing their fingers at the govt? if something goes right the govt get the credit but if it goes wrong we 're expected to point fingers in another direction !!
wise up guys and give credit where due but also put the blame on those who really are responsible......in this case the govt....remember ' f'darek bla biza'?'

Malcolm Seychell

Aug 12th 2008, 19:42

I show my solidarity with Dr Zammit.

Such acts should be punished by jail

Dr. Karin Caruana

Aug 12th 2008, 19:22

First of all I would like to express my heartfelt solidarity to Dr. Tony Zammit.

This incident is a despicable display of society's failure to protect it's citizens. Law enforcement seems to be at it's lowest, concentrating on petty crimes rather than enforcing laws that safeguard the individual on the road and in the home.

I wish Dr. Zammit a speedy recovery from this terrible incident and hope that his courage remains steadfast.
Best Wishes from Karin and Kevin in Scotland

John Azzopardi

Aug 12th 2008, 18:34

The ideal world and reality are like chalk and cheese. Stop knocking the police. The do try their best in the circumstances.

Sharon Cachia

Aug 12th 2008, 18:21

Hope you will have a speedy recovery Mr. Zammit. You are a very strong person!

F'darek bla biza!!!

Randolph Bugeja

Aug 12th 2008, 18:12

How sad that some are so keen to politicise the assault that they fail to at least sympathise with the victim.

@ Daley and Turner: your comments are pathetic.

philip pace

Aug 12th 2008, 17:57

Welcome to the circus,
While every Nationalist and Labourite jumped the gun with their silly negative comments one has to understand the actual motive of this crime.
What was the reason? Who planned it? Why they picked on an MP? And other questions.
In the last years we had old people mugged and even killed in their homes.
Let us be straight and honest about this. Criminality of all sorts has taken place and is on the rise. That is an undisputable fact as the list grows longer!
I personally do not give a toss because some reason in an inane and defensive way that criminality is on the rise in foreign lands. I do not live there so therefore I do not care about that, as if they find solace in that perverted reasoning!
I care about the situation here in Malta as I live here, which is getting seriously out of hand.
Are we coming to the point that we don't feel safe in our homes or would not dare to walk the streets in the morning/afternoon/evening/night?
What are the authorites going to do about safeguarding our lives?
Rotten bananas

Charles J Buttigieg

Aug 12th 2008, 17:56

I find it difficult to understand why the aggressors did not grab what they could while they had the chance and ran when they were unhindered like thieves normally do and preferred to sit and wait for their victim. Is it my suspicious nature or is it that there’s more to this than meets the eye? Will the police rule out a conspiracy? Trying not to sound an alarmist, could there have been political or other motives in this horrendous act? I am not very impressed with the fact that the villains took off with the money as that could have been their bonus and also used as a decoy.

Luke Gatt

Aug 12th 2008, 17:56

Welcome to Darfur, Haiti etc etc (malta)

Do not blame the Times for not mentioning the name of the man assaulted. The police first releases the accident and than reveals the identity people get a life. Lots of people get assaulted etc etc why this Mp Anthony Zammit should get more coverage than other people (im referring to those who have no title or are important figures in the Maltese society). I agree with those who say that the crime rate is on the rise and that we have a serious problem most of these crimes are committed by juveniles (20- 30 age group)

J.M. Chapelle

Aug 12th 2008, 17:52

Catch them! Hunt them down! The poeple demand it! No one has the right to inflict such misery on another!

Pauline Barbara

Aug 12th 2008, 17:52

@ Karl Abela - Yes people are allowed to blame the Government, because they are responsible for keeping Law & Order in our country, by providing us with enough police to patrol our streets and by ensuring laws exist to ensure criminals are severely punished.

Society has a role to play for sure, but its the Government's responsibility to place deterrents and helping to keep us safe.

As I said in a previous post, society at large in England has gone to the dogs; kids killing kids, gangs in every city etc etc.. (I'm not saying its as bad as that here, far from it, but we should make sure it never gets as bad as that) - and the English people blame the govenment and that includes staunch Labourites.

But it seems in Malta we're only like other European countries when it suits are political sensibilities.

Reginald Galea

Aug 12th 2008, 17:52

Full marks for Henry Mifsud comment. Nothing to add to the write up. In the name of all maltese people of good will, I wish a speedy recovery to Mr. Anthony Zammit. His excellent work in the medical field is highly appreciated from all.

Joseph E Briffa

Aug 12th 2008, 17:42

It seems to me that Mr Zammit was a target because maybe the aggressors imagined that he would be carrying cash on returning home from his evening surgery. It doesn't seem as though there was any other motive except to rob him.. It looks like the same thing about people closing their shop and being attacked by robbers. As for the part of the report that says the police almost apprehended the aggressors but failed to catch them as one ran one way and another the other way......aren't the police armed and aren't they allowed to shoot robbers in the foot if they try to escape? I sincerely hope that the culprits are caught and serve some 20 years behind bars.

Joseph Zammit

Aug 12th 2008, 17:32

Wishing Mr. Zammit a quick recovery!.......I hope justice will prevail and these gansters are caught.

Let's hope that any witnesses who could be of some help will come forward.

Franco Farrugia

Aug 12th 2008, 17:31

Of course, there should be sympathy with MP Anthony Zammit as with any other victim of traumatic aggression. It's not easy to forget such an experience after such an ordeal.

But, when a few days ago there was a letter published in this newspaper about a person who was mugged in front of his young family, including children, at the Sliema Front at eleven pm at night, nobody wrote in to show sympathy.
So, I ask, is this sympathy all due because this man is an MP?
Or is it because he is our Party's MP?
Or is it because we know him personally as our family doctor?

In which case, why not show solidarity even with those who are strangers to us?
If we only show kindness to those who we know or who are our relatives, what payment will we get in Heaven?
The Gospels say it, not I.

jimmy magro

Aug 12th 2008, 17:27

The Local Councils' Association has issued a statement of solidarity with Prof Zammit. We call on the police to do their utmost to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Onc e I am on the line, I would like to extend my solidarity too.

George Cremona

Aug 12th 2008, 17:26

Ms. Pauline Barbara and E.Azzopardi,
One can blame PN government for omissions but surely not for commissions for many of which previous MLP governments were blamed.

Alas I augur Mr. Anthony Zammit a quick recovery and the arrest of the culprits.

Karl Abela

Aug 12th 2008, 17:24

How pathetic of us Maltese. Instead of uniting against such crimes, we take every opportunity to make a political issue out of it and blame the government. No wonder it is so difficult to see progress in this country because we keeping blaming the authorities rather than trying to look for the real cause. We need to start breaking away from the government as if it was our parent. Why not blame the church or the schools for a society that is changing for the worse? Why not blame the materialistic family for producing such criminal offspring? We all have our part to play in this country, whether its cleanliness, environment, society, you name it. We even try to blame the government for tax that we decide not to pay at every opportunity that we get, yet then we wonder why we have such a moral deficit. It’s high time we start blaming ourselves.

CharlesZammit

Aug 12th 2008, 17:24

This is to wish you a speedy recovery and may God bless you at this difficult time.
Your cousin,
Charles Zammit.

a.cassar

Aug 12th 2008, 17:10

looks like these persons are professionals and most probably have had brushes with the law before ergo their records are kept by the police. One important factor is that the thieves left their getaway car behind so the police can go over it for fingerprints. In that case it would be easier to track them down.Let's hope it is so

David Abela

Aug 12th 2008, 16:51

@ mike turner

before shaming The Times, note that you too are not giving Mr. Zammit his proper professional title! He is a Consultant and has not managed to become Professor so his title is Mr. Anthony Zammit and not Prof. Anthony Zammit even though on this island, it seems everyone throws titles as if they are for free.

BTW what happened is still a shame whatever who the victim was.

GLADYS

Aug 12th 2008, 16:50

Solidarity with Prof Anthony Zammit.. Wishing Heartily Profs Zammit a Speedy Recovery!!!!!!



GLADYS AND SALVINU CARUANA M'XLOKK.

fred sultana

Aug 12th 2008, 16:49

i marija tal-hniena! reading the comments posted below gives the impression that such things happen only in malta! it could have been anyone, in malta and elsewhere.

Pauline Barbara

Aug 12th 2008, 16:43

Solidarity to Hon. Dr. Anthony Zammit, who has just been through a nightmare the effects of which will probably be with him for a long time.

@ Marianne Mercieca - Crime rates and knife culture in England are always on the rise, and do you know who the English people blame, thats right the government. The government is responsible for proper police patrol, the government is responsible for establishing very long jail sentences for anyone caught doing anything criminal - Honestly no wonder the PN never take responsibility for any wrong doing with certain people blaming all and sunder apart from who is at the helm.

The same goes for Italy, the government was blamed for the rise in crime and Berlusconi pretty much got relected on the 'Ridding Italy of Crime' ticket.

PN are in government, they are running the country and therefore if there is a rise in crime, its up to them and them alone to establish law, order and control to cut down on crimes.

E. Azzopardi

Aug 12th 2008, 16:37

It is all about discipline. There is no discipline on this island. I say this over and over again. Just look around you. So people dare do things such as this. Certain class are not afraid of anything anymore on this little piece of rock!!! Let us start cracking, shall we. Who is next?
I wish Dr. Zammit all the best

TONY FORMOSA

Aug 12th 2008, 16:29

@Daley
You're a sick joke
@Turner
No sense or shame
Wishing Hon Zammit a speedy recovery.

Charles Micallef

Aug 12th 2008, 16:25

This is sick act, conducted by some desperate and sick minds, we are sure that the Police will catch up with the culprits and that the Courts will dish out the maximun penalties, our thoughts must go to Profs Zammit and his family

Joseph Micallef

Aug 12th 2008, 16:24

Lets hope the day will come when these gangsters will need dr. Zammit's services in hospital !

D. CAMILLERI

Aug 12th 2008, 16:20

First of all We wish Dr. Zammit a speedy recovery & hope these scum bags are caught & Jailed.. Now Malta needs to see how good the Malta Police Force are.
We need tuffer enforcement in this country and fast.

Godwin Agius

Aug 12th 2008, 16:20

On behalf of the commettee, members and supporters of the 12th May Band & Social Club of Zebbug I would like to express my solidarity with Dr Zammit and offer our full support and assistance to our dear friend as I'm sure he always offered whenever requested. May he have a speedy recovery. We're with him in our prayers.

PERIT GODWIN AGIUS
President - 12th May Band & Social Club

Andrew Gatt

Aug 12th 2008, 16:12

@ A Daley..........you forgot the best one, dude.......Freedom of Expression = Up!
If PC's existed in the not-so-distant-past, and you wrote anything remotely critical, you'd be wearing one by now or picking your teeth out of it!

@ M Turner.......errr.......on second thoughts, forget it. Waste of energy.

J Farrugia

Aug 12th 2008, 16:10

Mike Turner Mixing politics with criminal activity is obscene.

Joe Grima

Aug 12th 2008, 16:10

Joseph Galea. Why don't you interpret proper English the way it shoudl be understood.? I did not make any racial remarks. Just stated what is happening in a neighbouring country. The remark about patches or armbands for foreigners is yours not mine. My suggestion is that we have reached a stage that we should start thinking of collective, community self protection. My view is that neighbourhood Vijgilantes should do the trick, The issue of whether Vigilantes shoudl carry firearmns or not can be debated.

We went through the worst imaginable criminal aggression some years ago when our Villa, our Radio Station and our car were arsoned. Ten years after, the criminals who almost destroyed us are still on the loose. When something like this happens the victims are very much on their own. Ask some of them to tell you their harrowing stories Joseph Galea. I am sure that will change your aggressive attitude.

I suggest that we do not allow this exchange to deviate from its original subject: The aggression suffered by Dr Anthony Zammit to whom, I again express my fullest, steadfast support.

Karen Borg

Aug 12th 2008, 16:09

They were probably busy arresting foreign teenagers for running around in their boxer shorts in paceville in the middle of August or raiding people for 1mg of cannabis- of course these are worse crimes

sabine grech

Aug 12th 2008, 16:06

@ J Camilleri : I agree completely .

M Borg

Aug 12th 2008, 16:06

"the police came close to catching the men when their getaway car, a stolen Kia Avella, would not start.

Two of the men ran in one direction and the third in another. A policeman gave chase but they escaped."

when will the police have the POWER to shoot the agressors in such circumstances?! As the regulations state, the police can either follow or fire a warning shot, but can't shoot at first instance unless he is shot at or sees that a third person's life is in danger!

Ask the police who were shot at some months back at Ghajn Dwieli how lucky they were!

We need justice, and justice can only be done with being more SEVERE with criminals!

Rene Savona Ventura

Aug 12th 2008, 16:05

Solidarjeta ma' Prof Zammit.
Ma nistax nifhem kif hawn nies li jaslu jaghmlu atti bhal dawn fuq Maltin bhalhom. Il-kriminalita f'Malta qed tizdiet u hemm bzonn li nharxu l-pieni ma dawn in-nies. Nawgura lill siehbi fejqan ta' malajr u nheggeg lill Pulizija jaghmlu hilithom biex jinqabdu l-persuni li ghamlu dan l-Att kodard u jiehu dak li verament haqqhom.
RENE SAVONA VENTURA - SINDKU SAN GWANN

Joseph Camilleri

Aug 12th 2008, 15:56

Whilst wishing Profs Zammit a speedy recovery from the traumatic experience he must have gone through, i would like to see more toughness by our police force in combating the ever-increasing crime in our streets. unfortunately at times our law enforcers seem to act more like boy scouts than a serious and disciplined police force.

Rebecca Sultana

Aug 12th 2008, 15:41

What a disgrace!! Mr Zammit is one of the best doctors I have ever come across, offering the most patient-centred and patient-sensitive care possible and always there whenever you need him.
Mr Zammit, my husband and I wish you a speedy recovery from both the trauma and the injuries. You're in our thoughts.

Manuel Micallef

Aug 12th 2008, 15:34

Profs Zammit is a good person who has treated many members of my family in the past.

I do not understand how thiefs ( and first class criminals of this kind) can escape to police just like that. Abroad they will call in helicpoter to track in these instances. In Malta we are 30 years behind. Police wiht no technology or equipemnet - and then you receive a posting in Times saying - "they just escaped"!!

C. Bartolo

Aug 12th 2008, 15:33

@ Mr. Daley: Welcome to earth! As far as I know, the phenomena you mention are increasing world-wide and not just in Malta.

One may not agree with Mr. Zammit politically, but he is a gentleman and a well-respected surgeon. I just hope he recovers rapidly, both physically and psychologically.

victor battistino

Aug 12th 2008, 15:07

Mr.Turner

maybe you should go back to your home country if you feel safer ! Or you have forgotten that in England last year we heard of boys mugging and stabbing boys !

It is unfortunate that such things happen. These happen everwhere. My sympathy goes with all victims, irrespctive of their stand in society. Mr.Zammit, being a clever and respected surgeon does not need the Onorevoli title to get his due respect - he is already well respected.

But do not go around blowing things out of proportion ! How many times have you seen blows being thrown about in rugby matches ? Who is to blame ? Is it the referee ? And by the way, during such free for alls, have you ever called the police ?

Clayton Luke Mula

Aug 12th 2008, 14:55

I have received the news of what happened to Profs. Anthony Zammit few minute ago.

First of all I wish a very get well soon to Profs. Zammit and solidarity aswell to Profs. Zammit and his family.

Thank God the consequences where not more serious.

Hope that the Police will find who had done this violent assault on Profs. Zammit and they will take a lesson from the Justice.

Jerem J Camilleri

Aug 12th 2008, 14:44

Whilst I also offer my sympathy and support to Profs Zammit, and wholeheartedly condemn such an act, I do not see it as being worse than the same thing happening to any Tom, Dick or Harry.

A crime is a crime, no matter the victim!!!!!

A Daley

Aug 12th 2008, 14:33

F'darek, f'pajjizek, fuq ix-xoghol, bla biza!

House robberies – up.

Rape incidents – up.

Gang culture – up..

Bank robberies – up.

Illegal drugs intake – up.

Teenage pregnancies – up.

Now it's divorce at the door as well!

Viva Malta, Kattolika, Appostolika, Rumana.

Lovely, lovely!

Let’s hope that the culprit/s are caught and given what they deserve!

Marianne Mercieca

Aug 12th 2008, 13:49

@Mike Turner
No wonder this country never improves in mentality. What does the government has to do in a robbery for you to add such a comment "Shame on the government".
Imagine the government having to send a 24-hour guard with every MP or important person in this country. U x'kull wahda wkoll!!!

Joseph Galea

Aug 12th 2008, 12:55

I wish to join all right-thinking persons in condemning this barbaric home invasion and vicious attack on Prof. Anthony Zammit. While I hope that he will recover from this traumatic experience soon and that the criminals are brought to justice expeditiously, I cannot help but be disgusted by posts by the likes of Mr. Joe Grima.

Why do such tragedies always bring out the worst in some of us?

"Neighbourhood, armed vigilantes," indeed!
Whatever next? Arm patches to identify foreigners?

mike turner

Aug 12th 2008, 12:50

Scum ! So much for law and order when a respected MP and medical practitioner is not even safe in his own home. Shame on the government.
Incidentally I agree with your correspondent who asked why you failed to show the proper respect and give Professor Zammit his proper title, Onorevoli. Even this helps create a lack of respect for law and order, so shame on the Times too. Michael Turner

josephine heywood

Aug 12th 2008, 12:35

its hard to believe that we have such mafia in Malta or people of the other side getting their own back,,usa has nothing to our filthy country
im so ashamed to have to live here

Joe Grima

Aug 12th 2008, 12:16

This country is beginning to resembe the Wild West we see in cowboy films. People are obviously no longer safe in their own home. There are more foreigners on the streets than Mlatese nationals. Slowly slowly we are falling into the traps that countrie like Italy have fallen into with Italian nationals being emarginated in their own country while evetrybody else's rights, incuding thiose of criminals, are protected. It is only now that the national situation has degenerated hopelessly that Italy is taking corrective measures.

The strongest solidarity with Dr Zammit.

Time we set up our own neighbourhood vigilantes.

Keith Grech

Aug 12th 2008, 11:27

Wishing Prof Zammit a speedy recovery.

Given that such crimes are almost of a daily nature it is time we improve security measures in our home towns with modern surveillaince systems and more frequent patrols. There is also a need for people to co-operate more with the police force. I suspect that many citizens do not know where to call during emergencies or when to suspect that a crime is to be held. An educational camapign is required. Always better to be safe than sorry.

Henry Mifsud

Aug 12th 2008, 11:12

I just realised that you have changed the title to this news item from Zebbug man to Zebbug MP. I would have also put Honourable as the gentleman in question is no ordinary man. I have known Prof. Tony Zammit for many years and although we both do not come from Zebbug, we both have long connections with the village. Tony is loved by all irrespective of colour or creed and I am sure that the village is truly shocked this morning to hear of such a brutal attack. This does not auger well to those who are risking their necks in public life and I sincerely hope that proper measures are taken to safeguard them. It is an irony that those who felt it proper to rob a man, chose one who lives litterally next door to a bank! On the other hand this might give us a glimpse of how fragile is our security. My family and I (and most of Malta, I am sure) wish Prof. Zammit a speedy recovery and I sincerely hope that the culprits are caught and brought to justice.

C Chircop

Aug 12th 2008, 10:59

Although Prof Zammit's injuries are not serious, it must be a traumatic experience indeed.
Hopefully, he will recover soon, and the guilty trio will be caught and sentenced accordingly. There is no excuse for violence.

R Azzopardi

Aug 12th 2008, 10:36

Solidarety with Prof Anthony Zammit!! Don's be surprised that when these gangsters are caught they wont get free or a suspended sentence