Hammanskraal - The remains of Constable Francis Rasuge were laid to rest on Saturday, bringing final closure to her family, friends and colleagues since her disappearance eight years ago.
Rasuge, who was born on 10 June 1977, disappeared in August 2004. Her boyfriend William Nkuna was convicted of her murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2005, although her body had not been found.
Her remains were recently discovered while construction work was taking place at Nkuna's home in Temba, north of Pretoria.
Government officials - including Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and Water and Environmental Affairs Minister, Edna Molewa - and family, friends and colleagues of the police Constable attended the funeral service at Temba Stadium to bid their final farewells.
Addressing the service, Mthethwa urged society to protect the most vulnerable people by reporting cases of abuse when witnessing it within their communities.
He said usually someone knew when abuse was taking place, even though it took place behind closed doors. " ...but society has developed a sense of allowing it to happen...we should not accept it."
He called on all South Africans to come together and strengthen the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, and help end the violence.
Mokonyane condemned the conspiracy of silence around the disappearance of Rasuge, saying that despite Rasuge's remains being found at someone home where there are neighbours, not a deserted area, no one came forward.
She urged the communities to make it their responsibility to make their streets safe.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Rasuge's cousin, Ralph Jones said the family was convinced that the recovering of Rasuge's remains would bring peace and closure to the family after eight years of suffering.
"It was unbearable, especially for her mother and sister. We were told that we will never find her and he [Nkuna] will never be convicted," said Jones.
He commended the police and all South Africans who supported the family through the years and urged the public to close this chapter so that the family will find peace.
Rasuge was buried at Honingnest Krantz Cemetery following the service.
