An anonymous rape survivor poured out her heart in a letter and thanked the justice system for supporting her through a tough time.
To the woman who gave me back my life.
You fought for me when my own strength failed. I know this sounds like a cliché, but to be frank you gave me a new lease on life.
I’m forever grateful to you for your professionalism, your due diligence, your sensitivity, your meticulous investigative skills and prosecution articulation.
You encouraged me continuously to be strong when doubt clouded my mind. Not once did I doubt that my perpetrator would go unpunished.
For two, almost three years I was a living corpse, felt uneasy and had panic attacks.
My confidence and self-esteem was below the earth’s deepest ocean – while my freedom belonged to the same person who violated me.
I hardly found reason to get out of bed, to be productive at work, to smile, to walk freely without fearing that I would be raped again.
But here we are, my family and I, enjoying our lives and times together. One does not really get over such an ordeal.
But I was blessed to have you assigned to my case, I remember sitting in the doctor’s room after the medical examination and evidence was taken.
I kept on asking myself why God didn’t let me die in that veldt. I couldn’t comprehend how someone who never knew me could have so much hatred and execute such cruelty.
But you my dear Adele Britz, reminded me how priceless my life was; and how no human being deserves to be abused.
I hope one day our paths cross again, so i can give you a proper hug. I was a bit overwhelmed at judgment day.
I hope the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development will recognise your devotion to fairness and the integrity of the justice system.
In my opinion, you definitely will be an asset to the National Prosecuting Authority of SA – in fact that’s where you belong.
I hope your integrity and honourable conduct will not end with my case. Until the crime in this country stops, I hope you will be of assistance to others like you lend a hand to me.
Keep well …Wish you unsurpassed development in your career. May God Bless you and your family with abundant health.
Kindest and warm regards.