In loving memory of Anene Booysen (17) who was brutally murdered in Bredasdorp.

an activist dressed up the statue of Gandhi at the Joburg CBD whilst the other one looked on

As I drove passed Ghandi Square at the Joburg CBD I saw a small group of activists who braved the heavy rain wearing purple t-shirts and other clothing. One could see that most people had their struggle tees but took them off cos they were soaking wet. I slowed down the car on the roadside to get a clear view and listen. Although I could not get out of the car because the rain poured.

gandhi dressed in purple

The poster with the photo of Anene hung on the streetlight post, below that were white candles. I immediately recognized the article that featured in the Star newspaper of the 8th February 2013. According to the article she was gang raped, brutally mutilated on Friday night and later died in hospital on Saturday, 1st February 2013. She was only 17 years old. The same age of my daughter who just celebrated her birthday three days ago.

That brought sadness into my life as I can’t imagine life without her let alone leave her out my sight.
We, as parents try to keep our children safe but when such brutality still continues to happen right in front of our eyes by people we know is heartbreaking.
Luckily Anene was able to identify her attackers before her death.

May her Soul rest in peace.