How Bok's sister survived attack

2008-05-11 07:59

Marlene Malan, Karin Burger and Chantelle Nicholas

Cape Town - Two things probably saved the life of the sister of one of SA's Rugby World Cup heroes: She remained calm during her rape ordeal and her attackers left her car keys in the vehicle - giving her the chance to escape.

The family has retreated to a Karoo farm and did not want to talk about the incident on Monday. Rapport was asked to leave the farm and not to reveal the identity of the victim, who is also protected by law.

The student, 20, was attacked by three men with knives during the day and right under the noses of security guards at the parking lot of Tygerberg hospital in Parow.

She was forced back into her car and kidnapped.

She was taken to an empty house somewhere between Joostenbergvlakte and Klipheuwel - about 30km from campus - and repeatedly raped and assaulted. They used their fists, hitting her in the face and cut her arm with knives.

There are different accounts about how she escaped. A police source said the rapists started using drugs and lost focus. She used her chance to run out of the house.

Her car was parked outside with the keys still in the ignition and her handbag with her cellphone left inside.

According to official police statements, the rapists went to investigate a noise outside, which gave her an opportunity to get away.

She sped off and called a friend along the way. The friend called the girl's parents and they arrived at the same time in Stellenbosch where she was taken to hospital.

The victim is a second-year student at the University of the Western Cape. She was on her way to attend classes at Tygerberg Tertiary Hospital.

No one has yet been arrested in connection with the incident.

- Rapport