'He couldn't take the pain'

2008-05-01 07:47

Gloria Edwards

Johannesburg - Former minister of population development Jac Rabie has died at the age of 69.

Members of Rabie's family are convinced his death "was due to the protracted pain and suffering he endured after the violent death of his wife, Sandra, 47, two years ago".

Rabie's son, Brian, said on Wednesday that the physical and emotional stress of a drawn-out court case also took its toll on his father. "His body simply folded under the stress and pain."

Rabie saw his wife's murder in December 2006.

The couple were overpowered by robbers at their home in Windmill Park on the East Rand.

Sandra was hit over the head with a pistol and strangled. Jac was also attacked and tied up after the robbers had dragged his wife's body into the bedroom.

Three arrested

The robbers made off with some electrical goods in the Rabies' car.

A young relative of the Rabies, and two other suspects, were arrested in connection with the murder. The court case was postponed several times in Johannesburg Supreme Court.

Brian said his father was admitted to the Sunward Park Hospital in Boksburg last month. He was diagnosed with cerebral atrophy, which started affecting his organs. "Doctors said the trauma aggravated the disease."

"He was due to testify in court on April 14, but was too ill. The case was then postponed to October."

Jac, whose political career began in 1969, helped establish 28 townships, including Reiger Park, Alra Park, Geluksdal, Eden Park and Rabie Ridge.

- Beeld