Rene Burger, the sister of Springbok rugby player Schalk, has decided to confirm that she was raped last week at the University of the Western Cape, a family spokesperson said on Thursday.
”She is amazingly brave and courageous,” said Elna Boesak, appointed to speak on behalf of the family.
The name of a rape survivor may not be published, unless the person involved has given their consent.
The 20-year-old was grabbed in a parking lot at the Tygerberg campus of the University of the Western Cape on May 5 by three armed men and raped and beaten.
Boesak said Rene believed rape should not have to happen to a woman and felt that although she could not control what happened to her, she could control her response.
A statement issued by Boesak on Rene’s behalf said: ”You stop being a victim when you choose not to allow something like this to destroy your dignity and self worth, your trust in others, hope in the future or commitment to the country you love.
”I hold no grudge or bitterness but choose to turn this terrible thing that happened to me into something positive.”
Her family said they were relieved to have her home safely, and thanked friends and strangers for their support.
Boesak said the family wanted to be left alone and would not grant interviews.
”It is a challenging time for her and her family and they have asked the media to give them some space to allow the criminal justice system to take its course,” said Boesak. – Sapa