Closure for family as slain Rasuge is laid to rest

AFTER eight years of desperately trying to locate her remains, the family of slain police constable, Francis Rasuge, finally laid her to rest yesterday at the Honingnestkrans cemetery in Mpumalanga.

A funeral service was held at the Temba Stadium in Hammanskraal, outside Pretoria. Among those in attendance were Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane and Gauteng MEC for Safety and Security, Faith Mazibuko.

Rasuge's remains were dug up last month at a property of her ex-boyfriend, William Nkuna, in Temba. Her hands had been bound with duct tap. She went missing on August 27 2004, but her body was not found. Nkuna was, however, convicted for her murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2005.

There was a special moment during the service yesterday when gospel singer Solly Moholo rendered a moving struggle song, titled Solomon. Even Rasuge's mother Caroline sang along. SAPS members formed a guard of honour in front of Rasuge's coffin which was draped with the South African flag.

Addressing the service, a family spokesman Ralph Jones, said Rasuge's burial would bring them peace and closure. ''We have suffered for the past eight years. If you are in our shoes you will understand. It's unbearable."

Jones said through hope and faith the family finally got Rasgue's remains even though they were told that ''we will never find her".

''Let's stop this abuse, women don't need it. There are a few people who knew Francis was being abused but chose to keep quiet," said Jones.