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I agree
15/05/2008 13:06
...100% with your piece, your questions and your concerns! - Always Wong |
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suster
15/05/2008 13:07
I do agree with the opinion raised here. This is a private matter and light years away from any matter related to sports. I hope the familiy will find some way to deal with this difficult time. - jaco van rensburg |
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Sick!!
15/05/2008 13:08
I hope overseas readers hear this news, so that thay can realise what a sick, sick, sad and pathetic country SA REALLY is, no matter how our anc government tries to play down the situation.
Must Mbeki's wife also get raped before the government brings back the death penalty? - Juan |
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agreed
15/05/2008 13:10
I could not agree with you more Unathi! I was thinking exactly the same when I read this article! The media and reporters don't take any feeling into consideration - it is disgusting! The poor girl is going through such a traumatic period, why would people want to do that to her - for a great story? My heart goes out to her and her family! - Brenda |
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Extremely gatvol
15/05/2008 13:12
I hope that every rapist and murderer in this country will burn in hell, because this country's pathetic legal system clearly cannot deal with these barbaric, horendous scum. - GATVOL |
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sick fascination
15/05/2008 13:12
I agree that the public need not know everything about a person, especially relating to 'celectrities' - max |
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absolutely disgusting
15/05/2008 13:13
I have to agree with the writer on this one,I think it was absolutely distasteful and disgusting from the medie to even mention this story in the first place,thousnads get raped every day,and their names dont get printed,because every living person has the right to dignity,so please to all forms of media out there,please show the same dignity to this person. - creech |
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Missing the point.
15/05/2008 13:13
I do not agree with you. By hiding the identity of the woman that was raped does not assist our fight against crime. This was a decission taken by her. Stay out of it. Your letter sucks in any event.! - Kagitso |
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Celebrities
15/05/2008 13:14
So, these people have realised that rape is rife and serious after a famous person's sister was raped.
How many people were raped before but never made headlines. Animal farm. - Chopper |
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I agree
15/05/2008 13:15
I have to agree with you. Her Identity should have been kept private. Haven't she been through enough without the whole world staring. It is bad enough to have to live with that the rest of your life, but to have everybody knowing and staring............., because that is what people do!!!!! - Rob |
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Agree
15/05/2008 13:15
I fully agree with you. This must be terrible for her.Why couldn't they just leave that part out. - Sandy |
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no
15/05/2008 13:16
Don't you think the chances of catching the perpretators increased by at least 15 % now. Are we so used to it happening that it shouldn't reach the international media?
Why don't you rather write a iece to condemn what happened.
It is not her family ruining her life. It was the rapists that did that. - Reno |
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She is a hero
15/05/2008 13:17
I think she should be commended for coming forward. It not only sends the message that being raped is NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF. but the very reality of our rape CRISIS can now be publicised and hopefully internationally! So well done Rene - you are brave and you will be okay for the rest of your life. And unathi - your attitude towards this matter really scares me! Is this every man's attitude to rape -= that it's something to be ashamed of!!!!! - Commend her |
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Juan
15/05/2008 13:17
Mate, I really dont think hysterical ranting is really what is needed here.
Nice piece Unathi. I wirte for a rugby blog and we decided to keep her name out of any reports due to the family's wishes.
The fact that they went public is their choice and has little to do with the media who were quite respectful of the whole saga. Not that anybody doubted who the mystery bok was in the first place though. - Johno |
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I disagree ...
15/05/2008 13:18
We will start about any other crime, but rape must not be spoken about? It implies a shame that should attach to the victim, being a victim of a personal assault is a crime like hijacking etc is a crime. Implying that is it something that a victim should not publicly admit to implies that the victim is somehow at fault. - Che |
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Green and gold
15/05/2008 13:18
I just wonder how schalk is going to feel putting on that green and gold knowing he will be playing for country where his sister was raped and terror raids the land. - Matt |
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well said
15/05/2008 13:18
Well said. I dont think the family or victim had much choice. The press hounded them at their farm where they retreated to to regroup, and even though the press was asked to leave and respect their privacy, the story still broke. It is sad that they have been forced to reveal her identity. One can only hope that the community will pull together and that someone will come forward with information because of this. - CP |
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No rights
15/05/2008 13:18
It seems that where news are concerned nobody has any rights to privacy or to what gets published.Even after Lady Dianna fled from the news crews and crashed they still took pictures of her in the crashed car at the accident scene which they caused.Would there have been an accident if there were no news media present that night? As long as it sells. - Steven |
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Media drives it
15/05/2008 13:21
It's the media that drives it. They want your attention so they create sensation and curiosity. (Oh and they censor anything which might make them look bad) - Joe |
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My Sympathies
15/05/2008 13:23
All my sympathies to Rene Burger and to every single lady that has been a victim to this horrible crime. - Eve |
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No right to privacy?
15/05/2008 13:24
Unathi, a very humane and caring letter - I echo your sentiments that Rene' recovers from this ordeal and that the perpetrators are caught. And I, too, wondered about the fact as to whether she was totally aware about the implications of releasing her identity; any counsellors amongst the News24 readers to give pointers on this? - Dave Robbins |
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The victim's choice and only the victim's choice
15/05/2008 13:25
It is the victim's right to go public or not. The media overstepped the mark initially by stating that it was a rugby hero's sister, a medical student in Cape Town. It was not hard from then on to identify the person, and spread her name all over the Internet. The media had no right to leave "clues" - it is against the law, but then the media think they are above the law. - WAM |
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well said...
15/05/2008 13:25
It really is a shocking situation that this poor girl is going to be dragged back through the mud by being ostracized by others because she is a rape victim! Surely, a little tact and sensitivity would go a long way to helping this woman mend the scars!in my opinion, a rapist's penis is a weapon these days, and it should be chopped right off, so that they can feel totally robbed, like Ms Burger will feel for the rest of her life!Sickening! - Ryan |
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Re: Juan
15/05/2008 13:25
"I hope overseas readers hear this news, so that thay can realise what a sick, sick, sad and pathetic country SA REALLY is" I know exactly what a sick place SA is, that's why I'm now living overseas (in a country with a White majority, incidentally). The country where I now live also has it's problems and there is also crime here, but the chances of experiencing violent crime here are FAR less than in SA. - Expat |
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I agree with Matt
15/05/2008 13:26
If I was Schalk, I would personally tell our "president" why I will never represent this country ever again, then take my family and go play overseas for pounds and live the good, crime-free life. - TruthBeTold |
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Absolutely
15/05/2008 13:27
I agree 100% with you, what right do we have? If the family hadn't released the statement then their would have been rumours, it's sad that this victim has no privacy but the sick B88stards are still at large!Wrong! - Gman |
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Agreed
15/05/2008 13:27
Whole heartedly. The issue here is NOT the identity of the victim the issue here is, as Juan put it, the sick, sorry state of affairs we find the country in. The fact that this disgusting crime has happened to family of a high profile sports person goes to show that violence & crime affects each and every one of us and NOBODY will be spared. - John Camp |
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Putting MONEY first.... gutter journalism
15/05/2008 13:27
in this revenue driven media, it appears money is becoming more of a priority over human compassion. I can bet my bottom dollar the family was under tremendous pressure by media hyenas to "come out" - Mjavas |
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Well done Rene'
15/05/2008 13:29
We support you, and your family. Those bastards must rot in hell. God be with you and all other victims. This country is sick. I hope Schalk moves to Oz. Remember that life is a gift, for peace and prosperity we stirve, for the protection & upliftment of our children we must do what is best. Victims must leave. It is right to live in peace. SA cannot protect you with the ANC in power. finished. - Greg |
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good article
15/05/2008 13:31
Good article...Maybe the victims were trying to bring it in the light to get it behind them....before it possibly leaks out anyways.
@ Juan
I don't agree with all your statements. There is lots that can be done before measures like the death penalty is reinstated. We need stronger leadership, better structures, stricter laws and more action. South Africans should stop fighting evil with evil or else it will just snowball even more. - emmex |
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agree
15/05/2008 13:32
You are right. I hope Schalk will get hold of him personally. Don't think he will rape again... - EB |
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Rene Burger
15/05/2008 13:32
I agree it is absolutely disgusting and unforgiving for them to mention her name. They should spend their time trying to assist the police to apprehend the perpetrators. I am so upset that they mentioned Rene's name. It is a very private matter and it is going to be a difficult time for the family. They could not be bothered who they hurt as long as they sell newspapers! Cath the b ds and castrate them in public and then hang! - Wendy - Wendy |
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Crime Sh!thole
15/05/2008 13:34
I have to I agree with Juan.Although I feel sorry for Rene and see her courage in making it public it is also a step in the healing process.Let the international communtiy think twice before buying a ticket for soccer in this crime sh!thole. - shane |
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rape story
15/05/2008 13:34
I agree with you. I need to add another oint of contention here... isn't it sad that is 'breaking news' BECAUSE she has a famous brother. Statistics show that there are 154 rapes PER DAY in this country - and we don't hear about 99.9% of them, because those people are NOT from a famous family. Very sad... - LM |
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Oh Juan not again!
15/05/2008 13:34
Not if you really understand the contents of this letter before u start spewing forth a river of such Bile by suggesting that maybe Mbeki will act after his wife has been violated!The quection here is, was it rather Human for the media to scramble like they did by publicing the victim's in quection identity?Personally i would say that was immoral!What do u say?...before playing the usual Gov blame game!Or what? are u the media man yaself? Pity then! - Les-Maada |
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whose name must be released
15/05/2008 13:35
i do not agree with you for saying we want to know because his brother is some rugby player, what if she has gone to the moon wouldnt you put his brothers name next to her? please treat victims the same, rapists rape everybody they get a chance to rape ok, rather sympathize with her becase she is a rape victim, forget about the so called brother - Rape victim |
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whose name must be released
15/05/2008 13:36
i do not agree with you for saying we want to know because his brother is some rugby player, what if she has gone to the moon wouldnt you put his brothers name next to her? please treat victims the same, rapists rape everybody they get a chance to rape ok, rather sympathize with her becase she is a rape victim, forget about the so called brother - Rape victim |
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Is it a South African thing...
15/05/2008 13:36
..that journalism tend to treat the victims of crime as the perpetrators of the crime with no compassion whatsoever.Maybe its because the perpetrators are never caught and journalists are only used to interviewing victims instead of the perpetrators.Just a thought... - Denzil |
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LET THE WORLD KNOW
15/05/2008 13:36
I feel shocked and very very sorry for Rene Burger - BUT if this is what it takes to show the world what a DISGRACE SA has become - then so be it!!!! It just shows that NO ONE is safe in this god-forsaken country anymore!!!! - Nicky |
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don't hide it
15/05/2008 13:36
You have to understand the dynamics of rape - the victim often feels that she is to blame or at least did something to deserve it. By hiding her identity you are only enforcing the idea of blame and shame. She has nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to hide. That's the message. - tanya |
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LET THE WORLD KNOW
15/05/2008 13:36
I feel shocked and very very sorry for Rene Burger - BUT if this is what it takes to show the world what a DISGRACE SA has become - then so be it!!!! It just shows that NO ONE is safe in this god-forsaken country anymore!!!! - Nicky |
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Agreed to your Article friend
15/05/2008 13:37
But I am sure it was not done without the families consent. personaly I think its a good thing to make it public in a fight against these violent crime commeted in SA every 23 seconds.To those criminals you rot in hell. There is no place in SA for you. Every dog gets its day !! You SCUM !!! - bongani |
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this country's justice system is a joke.
15/05/2008 13:38
If i was minister of safety & security, my first task would be to set up a DNA bank whereby criminals would be easily identified and captured when they repeat offences. This country has no intention of catching criminals. They are more interested in swindling and corruption. We still live in the dark ages having to convict a suspect from a line up. What crap is that? Rape is turning to be the number one crime in this country and DNA evidence will surely put these bastards away for good. Well then again, a court cleared a man of rape because the 14 year old was previously raped by her father and the courts classifies the 14 year old a prostitute (only in South Africa). Oh one more aspect is that; a rapist is given the minimum sentence in this country. A cellphone thief gets 20 years (News article 2005). What a disgrace to governance of this country, putrid pathetic, disgusting. It tell you a lot about the people running this country. Do they have the same mentality as a rapist, child molester, murderer, thief, then again they all spent years in prison and have jail credentials to honour their actions. - navs |
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I agree
15/05/2008 13:38
with your sentiment Unathi.You'll probably find that her therapists advised this.Acceptance is part of the healing process.If only this was more forthcoming on this and issues we are dealing with like HIV Aids and crime in general.I applaud the family and her courage for sharing it with us.God bless her and all other victims of rape. - psycobabble |
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Kagitso
15/05/2008 13:38
How does making her name known assist us in fighting crime? What would help is a "name & shame" site, where the guys who did this are named and photo's posted, so that we can all see who they are. Why should criminals id's be protected. Let's hang them out to dry in public !They should not have any rights ! - Annie |
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LET THE WORLD KNOW
15/05/2008 13:38
I feel shocked and very very sorry for Rene Burger - BUT if this is what it takes to show the world what a DISGRACE SA has become - then so be it!!!! It just shows that NO ONE is safe in this god-forsaken country anymore!!!! - Nicky |
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no I dont agree
15/05/2008 13:38
If women come forward and are brave enough to tell their stories, this will highlight this plight of all women in South Africa- maybe then somebody will listen. If you are only a statistic without a face it is so much easier to ignore this barbaric and social evil that is destroying not only women, but everyone that loves them. Thank you to the Burger family...much good will come from this terrible ordeal!!! - carina |
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LET THE WORLD KNOW
15/05/2008 13:38
I feel shocked and very very sorry for Rene Burger - BUT if this is what it takes to show the world what a DISGRACE SA has become - then so be it!!!! It just shows that NO ONE is safe in this god-forsaken country anymore!!!! - Nicky |
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Agree
15/05/2008 13:39
I agree with Matt and Unathi but none of this changes the fact that more and more women and children are being brutally raped and attacked in our supposedly "free" country and jack sh-t is being done about it!! - Geyser |
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You clearly don't have all the facts
15/05/2008 13:39
From what I heard in the news report the victim herself chose to come forward and speak about her experience. I did not hear the whole report but I am assuming she wants to raise awareness about this scourge of rape that so many victims young and old face every day in South Africa. Its the only crime where the victim must prove her innocence! And many educated young men still do not see it as a crime. Rather focus on these important issues. - May |
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Unathi :Kindly but confused
15/05/2008 13:40
Unathi it is good to see your level of concern in this matter but crucially you seem to be undervaluing some important points.
1 The identity of the victim can in this instance be the very best chance of finding the perp. given Schalk's hero status in the WC.
2. Even if it doesnt work out that way she is drawing attention to a terrible evil that goes unrecognised for so many less prominent victims.
My sympathy and my respect to the young lady. - Bokfan |
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Missed opportunity.....
15/05/2008 13:42
My heart is bleeding for this young woman and I can only hope and pray that she will manage to get through this. I'm just wondering why last Saturday the Stormers did not show more support to a team member's sister and a rape crisis in our beautiful country by delaying the game with 5 or 10 minutes. Just think of the message it would have send not only in our own country but to the world that we are fed up with this! - Wondering |
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Sad
15/05/2008 13:42
I think the worst of all is that it actually happened!In the end this is how SA loses it's talent.The time has come to name and shame RAPISTS,the HRC should look after the victims of these crimes and not protect the perpatrator!A rapist should not be able to go to a pub or any social gathering without everyone knowing who and what he is.That is when we will start forcing these individuals to live in the shame they have brought upon themselves. - Mike |
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Privacy ....
15/05/2008 13:45
I would think that it is unending hounding which has made it necessary for the family to come out-probably a mere half step ahead of some tabloid splashing fotos on the front page for all the rubber necks to gawk at.As to it being quicker now to catch the guys-the identikit of the attacker should make this easier, not the name of the victim.And no, not all the media was respectful of the family's privacy-It was reported-the day after-that media were shown away from the family retreat... - Retha |
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Sick Society
15/05/2008 13:45
We unfortunately live in a sick, morbid society these days. Anything with violence and sex sells.
Why the details make a difference to some people I don't know. Our thoughts are however with the Rene and the Schalk family, any any woman that is raped by the filth that walks this earth. - als |
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Rene, it shows character
15/05/2008 13:46
Unathi Kondile, who are you to judge. The family made a statement through their spokesperson, Elna Boesak, Allan Boesak's wife. This is a closeknit Afrikaner family. It's got nothing to do with Rene's brother or father for that matter being a public figure. Obviously they considered the impact of going public and will surely have their own personal reasons for doing so! Please respect that! Blame the culprits/rapist and none existent security of the hospital, not the media. - Jakes |
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Limited to the Individual's Choice
15/05/2008 13:46
I believe that it should be the choice of the affected individual whether or not to remain anonymous, because as far as I've seen, it was the family's call to "confirm" that it was Schalk's sister - didn't they consider the repercussions of how it could impact her social and personal life in the future?
Acting without consideration of consequences took place during her abduction, assault, rape and now with her own family revealing her identity.
When will people start opening their eyes? - TaurusaurusRex |
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No right to privacy
15/05/2008 13:46
Your column reveals your upbringing. Your parents, Unathi, did a perfect job and I for one salute your empathy for the victim and the objectivity in your report.May God protect all His children that care for each other. - Jonno |
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hmmmm...
15/05/2008 13:46
I agree with you. She might have given permission though. Good luck Rene, we will stand with you! - Big R |
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Ryan
15/05/2008 13:48
You rock man, if only more guys spoke like you do. It gives me hope. - Jen |
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Hiding...
15/05/2008 13:48
Sensationalist driven journalists hiding behind 'the public have the right' blah, blah, blah...
@Che. Some crimes warrant that the victim be left alone so that they heal. Rape victims should not feel stigmatised, but first and foremost is their right to to do whatever it takes to heal themselves. - Brett |
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Leave!!
15/05/2008 13:48
It's to show that everyone is a potential victim, even the "untouchables".. but hey there is no crisis here... as you were! I wonder if the people who raped her were black? Why is that never mentioned, truth hurt? - Africa Burning |
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JOE YOU PILLOCK
15/05/2008 13:50
You're reading news 24 - which means you want to know, which means you're feeding the very thing you criticise? bizarre logic dude. - Tired of fools |
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Rene is not a victim!
15/05/2008 13:54
She is a rape SURVIVOR. You would be shocked to hear how many women in this country are... This young girl kept her wits about her and managed to escape from a terrifying situation. There is no shame in this and I applaud her for speaking out about it and raising awareness. Don't even dare try insinuate that she will be ostracised or shamed in any way. Its time we start fighting back! - Yam |
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To Kagitso, Che and others
15/05/2008 13:56
You make a colelctive argument that hiding her identity does not help with fighting the crime, that the crime should be made known in order to attempt to curb it, so how does revealing her identity help.
Why is it necessary for her identity to be revealed .. sure, it was her and her families decision to do so, but for all of you to make an argument that her identity MUST be revealed in order to help, and simply making a flawed argument. - Robert |
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Every rape is a tragedy
15/05/2008 13:57
Unathi I agree 100%. Also want to add that this incident should have been news regardless of who the victim is related to. Who speaks up for the thousands of women who get raped and do not have a high profile? - Heila McKinley |
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Don't be silly....
15/05/2008 13:57
Those that are saying she should be identified because rape is nothing to be ashamed of should think again. Unathi is absolutely correct, her identity should not be published. Rape is not a crime like any other. The trauma and feeling of violation is so much more when raped than it is when shot, stabbed or beaten. There is a stigma attached to rape that is unavoidable and, when this girl is trying to digest and recover from her ordeal is not the time to try and change the archaic attitudes. - Karen |
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O Sies!
15/05/2008 13:58
I can only pray for this young woman and I think we should bring back the death penalty and extend it to include rape as well as murder. What are the tsotsies doing to our country and our lives? Bring back the old police FORCE. And bring sommer back the old government as well. This is a sad day! - Walter Makaba |
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Undesearving
15/05/2008 13:59
This was a family choice to go public and my heart goes out to the family. Thank you for the spotlight to help highlight brutal crime. You are truly a brave family, I salute you. - 2minds |
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my 2 sents
15/05/2008 13:59
You said that by making her name public will "probably scar the victim for eternity" I disagree: when you are raped you are scared for life! It is now to late for schalk to go to Aus. you must go before it happens to you or your family - it is just a matter of time for all of us before something will happen to someone close to us - retief |
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The rape of a nation
15/05/2008 14:00
Personally I think the name and a photograph of each and every rape victim should be sent to Thabo Mkbeki until he admits there is a problem and gets off his lazy backside and does something about it. - AS |
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Fame and Money - Re Steven
15/05/2008 14:01
I agree that it is awful that she is pointed out in such a manner. However, I must also say to Steven that it is an entirely different matter than Diana or even if it had been Schalk himself that was involved in something newsworthy. Celebrities sell their privacy for money. If you become famous, you give up your right to privacy. To paraphrase with great wealth comes great responsibility (to the public that make you famous). - Bridget |
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To reveal or not
15/05/2008 14:02
made little difference. It was easy to figure out when the media revealed she has a Bok brother. How many medical students at Tygerberg hospital have brothers who are Springbok rugby players? - jb |
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This lady will be the 'voice' of those unnamed victims
15/05/2008 14:03
Yes, Many woman are raped and don't make the news. However, with taking someone famous she becomes 'heard' and in a way represent all those woman that don't make it to the newspapers.
Hats off to her and her family. - henri |
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my 2 sents
15/05/2008 14:04
You said that by making her name public will "probably scar the victim for eternity" I disagree: when you are raped you are scared for eternity! It is now to late for Schalk to move to Aus. You must move before it happen to you or someone close to you. It is just a matter of time before it will happen. - retief |
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How True
15/05/2008 14:04
Well said,sad though being a public figure more effort will go into this.Watching 3rd Degree and Special Assignment on Tuesday just made the blood pressure go more up,it is sad that we can see what is happening,yet the president and his team cannot see this.The sad part though we are leaving a good country,but now it seems like countries like Australia and England also are having huge crime problems,rape,murder,etc is also out there.If the LAW here cannot help then who can.SAP and not SAPS - Mr.B |
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It's not her fault
15/05/2008 14:05
While I agree with you Unathi & the rest of the poster, consider that it is not her fault that she was raped. So, why should she feel ashamed of being identified (I know society makes life difficult for the victim, but it should not be so). We do not need to put a face behind each rape, but when Rene chose to reveal her trauma & hurt, she shud not be forced as much as not being scared of being marginalized as the victim. Protecting the ID of a rape victim was done to protect her from society. - LvH |
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So sad
15/05/2008 14:06
I`m sure the families choice was respected either way. Bigger problem is why we have this culture of Rape amongst our SA men. Are our African men (all races) so weak that we take joy in humiliating and injuring our woman in the worst possible way. I personally have no sympathy for these animals and would gladly support hanging them. I dont see why human rights need be extended to people who behave in this fashion. I`m pretty sure a referendum would agree with me. - Gavinl |
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Wake Up Call..
15/05/2008 14:07
it's all too easy in this country, to become so dessensitized to daily violent crime reports but when it strikes someone known nationally, it does shock everyone awake from their dazed stupor with the realisation that we are ALL at risk. Anytime. If the victims remain anonymous, its too easy for the rest of us to feel 'removed' from the threat. I applaud the family for speaking out and making us pay attention. The crime was comitted by the rapists and not the media in this instance. - Colleen |
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@Kagitso
15/05/2008 14:08
Kagitso- build a bridge and get over yourself! Well done to Unathi for being caring.I agree with him - the issue did not change from the time that it was announced that a young woman was raped to when Schalk B's name was linked to her. Why must she be showcased - have you no idea what psychological problems such victims go through. Why must we first have high profile incidents for crime to be addressed and noticed. To ALL rape victims out there our hearts go out to you. May justice be done! - Jen |
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Rene is a Star
15/05/2008 14:08
Rene you have done the right thing for coming forward. Hopefully the powers that be might look a bit harder for your attackers, otherwise their names must be revealed, for not doing their JOB.
It seems to me Unathi, like all the other ANC Big Wigs want to keep these kind of things under wraps, from the Public and Press local and abroad . They could not wait to tell you Judy Sexwale had be hijacked - WHY?
Nick - Nick |
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IT'S OBVIOUS WHAT HAPPENED
15/05/2008 14:08
Usually the media have a good idea of who was involved in an incident like this. This results in harrassment and pressure, without letup, by reporters "seeking a story". All that you can do is to come forward and issue a statement, in order to (a) minimize harrassment (b) curtail distortion and sensationalization of the facts. Privacy is non-existent, and this will get worse with the new divorce laws that allow anyone's private life to be splashed across the front pages, regardless. - Jack |
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Agreed
15/05/2008 14:12
If she had been allowed to make the decision by herself then all well and good, but in this case so much info had already been leaked it made sense to come out with it.And Juan, one of Zuma's wives was attacked and raped in her home back in 1999 when JZ was still Deputy Pres so stop with this 'govt doesnt care" rubbish. - VG |
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Johno
15/05/2008 14:12
agree with you, whole heartedly. Partly agree with Che as well in that the reason we protect the identity of the victim is because society ostracises rape victims. She indeed has a right to her privacy, but the only way to deal with the swines is to show them that your life will not change because of them. Hiding fits their expectation. Some people might be in a position to identify the criminals, through associating them with Rene'. Hiding will affect other potential victims - Len van Heerden |
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someone said what we all were thinking...
15/05/2008 14:13
100% right you are. I heard someone say shame when someone else told them what they'd read. Of course it is a shame, and a tragedy, and we feel a deep sense of empathy for the girl, and disgust at the perpertrators. But to be honest, these kind of stories are in the news all the time, and I hardly ever hear shame when a nameless faceless child or woman is raped elsewhere. This girl deserves her privacy, her brother's fame shouldn't be the thing that decides that for her. - vanessa |
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think about what u said there..
15/05/2008 14:14
umm.. personally i think the RAPE has scarred her for life - and not the making public of her name.
and why should her name not be made public? rape is a crime - other cirme victims are identified in news storys. by treating rape victims differently just adds to the stigma of "shame". - stephen |
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Kagitso
15/05/2008 14:14
You idiot!!! How the hell is publishing the identity of the victim going to assist in fighting crime?You would think that anyone with half a brain cell would realise that publishing her name and details of where she is, may lead to more problems for HER.surely the rape of a woman is ENOUGH for the police to fight crime.now these animals know her name and place of safety(home), they might be tempted to keep her from identifying any of them. - nWo |
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All rape victims
15/05/2008 14:15
Unathi, I think you miss the point. The exposure of the victims' identity is not the cause of broken lives by the media. The victims'lives are shattered by the sick, cowardly criminals who perpetrate these rapes. And they seem to have more rights than the victims. Publicly carstrate these watses of human lives. Rene and all victims we feel for you and wish it never happens to aother woman again. - Filemon |
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Bravo Rene
15/05/2008 14:16
What a brave young lady you are. I am also a victim of a voilent crime and by not speaking out about does not make it go away, it actually helps with the healing process. Good luck to you and your family. - lynne |
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Jaco van Rensburg
15/05/2008 14:16
Ou maat!! While I sympathise with all the victims of rape and their privacy, surely the crime in this country should not be a private matter. It is a public matter and if more victims stood up showed their face, the community will learn not to stigmatise them when they find out. Hiding means shame and there is nothing to be ashamed of. It is not her fault. Obviously, the choice should be hers, but encourage victims not to be intimidated into hiding. Would you marry a rape victim? I know I would. - Len Anderson |
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To Rene and all others
15/05/2008 14:17
that have had to go through this kind of treatment. Girls, please know that the people of this country support you. - Johann |
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media
15/05/2008 14:17
Agree 100% on this issue. Why must the media do this, same as publishing photos of relatives and friends at funerals. If this girl wants to make it public herself to maybe help other rape victims, she has my admiration, but the media should put decency before voyeurism. - taurus |
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it is sad...
15/05/2008 14:20
that people want to know "who"! Only when it happens to you,then you may just understand that regardless "who" the victim is-it is the worst form of attack on any human being. I have been there and do applaud Rene for coming forward, It is a very hard experience to work through without the issues from the media - my support is with you Rene, and your family! - Ims |
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I just dont know anymore
15/05/2008 14:20
I hear you, but I think the family is trying to make a statement and a very brave one at that. What they have done will make international news, it already has. Why keep quite and let crime win again? Hats off to them and all the best to this very brave and strong person! Living in London has been a wake up call, my girlfriend saw a man stabbed to death in broad daylight on one of the Oxford streets on Monday. Believe me, it's everywhere, only here the government actually cares. - Londonboy |
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high profile case high profile attention
15/05/2008 14:20
I feel deeply sorry for the Burger family and the fact that the victim is now known amongst the public, but after watching Special Assignment on Tuesday I cant help to wonder if the Burger family will get more attention from the police in solving this matter, lets hope so, this country needs a serious wake up call and greater punishment for rapists I hope he is caught and that the publicity of this case will splatter his face on every single newspaper to shame him. May he get life - Doreen Loubser |
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my 2 cents
15/05/2008 14:21
You said that by making her name public will "probably scar the victim for eternity" I disagree: when you are raped you are scared for life! - retief |
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At a loss for words
15/05/2008 14:22
It is terrible that this happened to anyone. This is why people move overseas, to protect their families from barbarians. I whish the Burger family strength. If anyone knows who the cowards are that did this please hand them over to the SAPS? - Dries |
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my 2 cents
15/05/2008 14:23
You said that by making her name public will "probably scar the victim for eternity" I disagree: when you are raped you are scared for life! - retief |
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Privacy
15/05/2008 14:29
Have to agree. Schalk might be public domain, but not the rest of the family. What's happened to private privacy. And please don't say it is the readers "right" to know or some freedom of speach crap. What's happened to common decency. Rene is not a public figure, this incident did not harm or affect the community at large, so there is no public "right" to know what happens in her life. Shame on the people who decided to go public with this. - sp |
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the usuall susspect (Greg)
15/05/2008 14:30
What is the ANC had to do with someone being raped do you think the ANC send criminals to raped white people,and i hope schalk moves to oz
you must also f**k off after him - kaizer |
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