Traumatic case of rape that led to murder, which paralyzed and grieved the community : a pastoral approach

Abstract

The author was stunned by the way in which justice in Mvenyane village in the district of Matatiele system handled a case of rape which led to murder. The rapist and the murder was caught by community members and brought the police officers but no rape and murder charges were laid against the suspect for that particular case. Family members and relative of deceased including the community members were traumatised by the action surrounding the rape and murder case .The author is trying to find possible pastoral care way when people are going through the turmoil as a result of murder which occurs after rape. The author saw it necessary to journey with the bereaved family and relative in a pastoral care way. The methods used in a study Charles Gerkins method of Shepherding and Nick Pollards method of positive construction. Although some fingers were pointing on the police officers on the way they handled the case, the author find it later that police officers are working under certain restriction under the department of justice. Family members and relatives should make that their case of rape and murder are reported directly to the police officers to be sure that these case are investigated .There should be traumatic and pastoral counsellors who should work to heal the bereaved families and affected community members after murder case in the communities.