COSATU appalled at brutal rape and murder

The Congress of South African Trade Unions is appalled and disgusted at the horrific rape and murder of a 17-year-old girl in Bredasdorp, Western Cape, on 3 February 2013.

Anene Booysen was brutally raped and left for dead during the early hours of Saturday morning by a group of men who had allegedly lured her away when she was with friends. She managed to identify one of her alleged attackers before dying.

A staff member at the hospital where was treated told Die Burger that her injuries were "too horrific" to mention in any newspaper. "It was one of the harshest we've ever seen here at the hospital."

The man she identified was arrested and has appeared in court on charges of kidnapping and rape; another three suspects have since also been arrested.

When a very similar incident occurred in India recently, there was a massive outbreak of protest and mass demonstrations in the streets; it was a big story around the world.

We must show the world that South African are no less angry at such crimes and make an equally loud statement of disgust, and protest in the streets. We need to unite as a nation to make criminals scared of society's outrage when such acts are perpetrated.

COSATU appeals to all South African to demonstrate at the court when the accused suspects appear. For details of the date and venue of the court appearance, please phone Sergeant Olivier at Bredasdorp police station on 0284 255 400.

Statement issued by Patrick Craven, COSATU national spokesperson, February 6 2013

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