Sister of Springboks star gang raped

The younger sister of South Africa and Stormers rugby star Schalk Burger has revealed how she was abducted and gang raped a week ago.

South African media had respected a request by the family to keep the identity of the player private, to protect his sister, but medical student Rene Burger decided to speak out against the abuse of women.

"To fall victim to brutal abduction and rape is one of the most traumatic experiences that any woman can live through," she told South Africa's Independent newspaper.

Ms Burger was raped by three men in an abandoned house outside Stellenbosch a week ago.

She eventually managed to escape.

"You do, however, have a choice in how you respond to this reality," she said.

"You stop being a victim when you choose not to allow something like this to destroy your dignity and self-worth, your trust in others, hope in the future or commitment to the country you love," she said.

"I hold no grudge or bitterness but choose to turn this terrible thing that happened to me into something positive."

Police spokeswoman Captain Marie Louw said they were following strong leads in the hunt for the three attackers and were confident of arresting of one of the suspects soon.

Stormers spokesman Frikkie Erasmus said he had spoken to Burger. "He's fine, but very traumatised, like anyone would be if something like that happens to a sister."