Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
11 January 1997
1. The premier wishes to commend the police for having arrested a suspect in the Observatory rape case. Such action will undoubtedly boost the community's confidence in the law enforcement agencies of our country. He also expressed satisfaction that the courts refused bail.
2. He further condemns the brutal rape and invasion of the privacy of the Observatory family as well as that of the family in Malvern. The police should spare no effort in hunting down the remaining suspects. He appealed to the community to help the police in tracking down the rest of the rape gang. And once apprehended the courts should dispense with the case speedily, harshly and without mercy. Such sick people do not belong to a normal society.
3. The Premier also called upon people living in other areas where rape has occurred, such as Tembisa and Soweto, to come forward and report.
4. "As a parent I am deeply aggrieved by these acts and my sympathies goes out to the victims, their families and those close to them. May they find solace in the fact that the majority of the people of Gauteng are equally horrified and are eagerly expecting firm justice," Mr Sexwale said.
5. Lastly, the Premier was assured by senior police that they will spare no effort in continuing to hunt down these rape gang and other similar criminals.
Issued by Sefako Nyaka, Premier's Press Secretary: 082-5700-839 Or (011) 355-6034 or 240-1641.