A few weeks ago, international headlines were made when students of the University of the Free State gave some hostel cleaners a concoction to drink, apparently containing urine. Shorlty afterwards, the public outcries about racism and human rights began.
On the subject of racism, please read the story of Nico Bruwer (25).
Nico was arrested in Polokwane for reckless driving on the night of 6 January 2008. After he was arrested, he asked four times if he can call his family to tell them where he was, but they refused. (According to SA Law, you are allowed one phone call when you are arrested.)
He was thrown in a dirty cell with 25 other inmates. His arms were held and his head shoved in a dirty pillow, so his screams couldn't be heard – while he was repeatedly raped and assaulted. Later he lost consciousness from shock. The policemen on duty didn't once come to check on what was happening in the cells.
The next morning he was harassed by one of the rapists. Hours later Nico was released on bail after his family finally found him. He broke down and they rushed him to hospital where he was admitted and tested for HIV.
Nico and his wife, Rose-Mary (24) was married on 1 March 2008. Nico also have a son (5). He and his whole family is traumatized by this experience.
What you may not know is that this is the ** second ** time this year a young white male was raped in the Polokwane Police cells.
Why am I asking you to forward this? Because this is also racism. This is crime in its worst form. Yes, what happened at UFS was despicable, but nobody was PHYSICALLY hurt. But because it was ** WHITE ** students doing it to ** BLACK ** workers, everybody made a huge deal about it. Now that a white male was raped by black criminals while in police custody, virtually nobody knows about it. No big cries from overseas condemning this absolute disregard for human rights or basic human dignity. Nico Bruwer's whole life will be forever influenced about what happened that night. But because he is ** WHITE **, nobody cares.
But you should care. Think about your husbands, sons and brothers. Forward this to as many people as you can. Let this email travel all over so that the whole world can see what is ** REALLY ** happening in South Africa.
Lets show the world that we are sick and tired of the hate, the war and the lack of respect for humans and their lives.
Oh, and don't forget the absolute disgrace of what the SAPS ( South African Police Service) have become – they who are supposed to keep us safe.
Yes, they recently wasted their time assaulting students in Stellenbosch and ransacking pubs for 130g ( Yes, GRAMS ) of dagga. But a rape in Police cells goes unnoticed.
And while you are doing this, please say a prayer for Nico Bruwer and his family. Ask God to give his wife strength to support her new husband during this terrible time. To give them peace, wisdom and dignity when they surely do not feel like they have any. And that his HIV test comes back negative, because he already has so much to deal with, and he does not need this added to his pain.
What a shame.
I had to save a friend of ours from such a fate . he was in an accident .. Drunk driving .. does not matter it doe not deserve a fate of being raped .. early friday morning .. friday day .. detectives dragging their heels .. taking their time . if he did not appear for bail he would have to spend weekend at Pollsmoor ... I just stood at the desk demanded to see the station Comander .. refused to move and threatened to call the press if they did not grant my request .. got request .. told station comander exactly the course things would follow if they did not ensure he was at least released on bail .. metioned recent press coverage of the exact thing .. .. told the detective that the same course would follow .. in essence they would regret the day they met me .. when asked if I was threatening them i said No .. I am just teling you the way things will play out if they carry on playing their game .. i have heard stories of collusion where they warders and cops Literally "sell' unfortunates like Nico ... well i got my way . released on bail at 15: 00 friday afternoon .. close shave .. the friend mentioned does not drink and drive anymore .. yet ??
Heard a similar story except the poor guy shot himself a week later.
Another incident I know of was a guy being arrested for not comming to a full stop at a stop street.He was taken to Bellville station.This was a Saturday and he was told that the detective would only be available on the Monday.Fortunetly a friend of a friend knew a good lawyer,and called in a favour. Said laywer phoned the station and told them that he wanted a hearing and would call out the magistrate that night (this can be done).....well they quickly released him as magistrates are not partial to being called out on a Saturdat night for a trivial traffic offence. No fine, no nothing, end of story. Now imagine if one didn't have those connections or did not know that you could do this.......2 nites in jail.
@ Diana
The same all over the world
Its not so important who you are, rather who you know in times like that
I've diffinately learn't that in life
It is absolutely dispicable the way some people treat others.........and even though I know it goes on the world over, my stomach is still churning and my head just can't get around it.............bloody animals wouldn't carry on like this.
notfair
Imagine how long it's gonna take him to get over this trauma! Something like this places enormous stress on a marriage, especially newlyweds. I wish him and his wife all the best during the tough time ahead.
I second you Carl :emot112_2:
u would know about this cousin ,love chris.
ps send me a pm sometime lets chat ??????