COSATU welcomes paramedic rape case verdict and sentences
The Congress of South African Trade Unions welcomes and supports the maximum sentences imposed on two convicted rapists, found guilty of raping at gunpoint two paramedics who were on their way to respond to an emergency call in Durban Deep, Roodepoort, in March 2010 (see report).
We fully agree with the judge, Erica Wiener, that there were absolutely no mitigating circumstances to justify anything less than the maximum that the law allows - eight life sentences, four for each of the two culprits, Richard Tshifhiwa Luruli and Michael Khorombi.
On the contrary their laughing and joking during the incident indicated a total disregard for the suffering of their victims or the toddler with burn wounds who they were rushing to help.
As well as eight counts of rape, they were also found guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm, and two counts of compelling another to commit a sexual offence. COSATU salutes this passer-by who was forced at gunpoint to rape the two women but only pretended to do so and was beaten as a result.
COSATU congratulates the police investigating team, the lawyers and the judge for their excellent work to bring these monsters to justice, and we earnestly hope that the harsh sentence sends out a strong signal to society that such brutal violation of women's basic right to safety and to be treated with dignity and respect is not going to be tolerated a day longer
The federation also calls for better protection for workers. Paramedics are defined ‘essential service workers' and in return for being banned from striking, society owes it to them that they should be able to perform their life-saving duties in safety, without fear of attacks like this.
COSATU recommits itself to the struggle against the intolerable levels of violence and abuse of women and children, which is a national disgrace.
Statement issued by Patrick Craven, COSATU national spokesperson, July 19 2012
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