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Statement by Ms Susan Shabangu, Deputy Minister of Safety and Security, on the conclusion of the Francis Rasuge case
13 October 2005
Today justice has been done; William Nkuna has been convicted. We are happy, but sad. Sad, because we have not been able to find the body of Francis Rasuge. Happy, because the first chapter of this case is sealed; we will never forget her.
The dark cloud of misery, frustration and doubt is beyond us. Now that the first chapter of this case has been concluded we will focus our efforts on finding Francis Rasuge’s body, so that we can bury her in the normal and respected manner and bring closure to this matter.
We have seen a number of unwarranted police killings, an act that poses a threat to the fight against crime and seeks to undermine our democracy. However, the justice system is continuously and openly displaying its intolerance against those brutally murdering our police officers.
South Africans demonstrated their unity in support for the family, colleagues and the South African Police Service. Up to today, the family received numerous visits from a wide spectrum of the public displaying their support. Any information that the public had and even incidents that they suspected would help in the investigation was reported and considered by the investigators. This is the outcome of such co-operation; I would like to thank all those who have made this fight theirs, and you have been of great support to us. Thank you to the members of the South African Police Service for the work you have done. Our ideal of making South Africa a safe place are seen in your actions.
As Rasuge sharpened her role in the fight against crime in this country, the murder, switched off that light of hope and robbed our community of this great lioness. However, the community’s confidence in her was shown by your support to her colleagues and family and is highly appreciated.
To the members of different churches especially His Worship, Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane of Zion Christian Church, this country would like to thank you for your support.
We also would like to thank the members of the media for following all the leads and continued to update the country. You are a valuable member of our society.
Thank you to you all.
Issued by: Ministry of Safety and Security
13 October 2005