Gauteng’s Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane, this week appealed to the community of Durban Deep in the West Rand to help police apprehend three men who gang-raped a paramedic and assaulted her colleague on Friday.
Mokonyane on Tuesday visited the two survivors at their homes in Kagiso to offer government support.
“We condemn this barbaric act. It is unfortunate that this has happened to people who had gone out to serve the community. We call on peace-loving people of Gauteng to come out and assist the police in ensuring that the perpetrators are arrested. We would ensure, working together with the criminal justice system, that justice prevails,” said Mokonyane.
The Premier, accompanied by the Department of Safety and City of Johannesburg officials, will this Friday visit Durban Deep to make a plea with the community that if you need services, you can’t afford to attack those who bring the services.
We are determined to bring those involved to book. If it means we have to elevate the capacity of police and bring in other expertise, we will do so. This does not mean other women are not important, but it is worse when it happens on those who have gone out to protect other women.
Mokonyane said, “The two survivors are coping and all the support was being rendered.” She said in future emergency personnel will be accompanied by police when going to dangerous areas.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
11 March 2010
Source: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gautengonline.gov.za/)
