Tuesday, July 24, 2012

** Two South African men remorseless after being convicted of raping female paramedic pair

** Virginia’s governor signs off on public memorial for emergency services LODDs

SOUTH AFRICA NEWS

** Life in jail is the sentence handed out to two men convicted of raping a pair of on-duty female Johannesburg paramedics two years ago. The Times (Alfred Moselakgomo/July 20) said the Richard Tshifhiwa Luruli and Michael Khorombi showed little remorse for their actions, denying the crimes. Handed eight life sentences for the sexual assaults, they were also convicted of forcing a bystander to rape the women. According to the newspaper, the medics were hailed to aid a badly burned child when the attack occurred. When the infant’s mother returned from a quick trip to get clothes for the baby, she found the ambulance abandoned. The two assailants were charged based on DNA evidence and witness statements. Both medics have since returned to work, though one of the two is now divorced as a result of the assault.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Virginia will soon be getting a public memorial to emergency services officers who have died in the line of duty. That is the word from NBC Washington (Kevin Robinson/July 18) which said Governor Bob McDonnell signed legislation Wednesday allowing law enforcement agencies to donate funds to the $2.5 million project. The money will come from cash recovered from criminals. Honoring paramedics, police, and firefighters, the memorial will be located in Richmond. There are only four states that do not have similar commemorations in place.