Community rallies around Kasese family after after racist hate crime

True community spirit has been displayed once again after a family had racist graffiti sprayed on their house in Milnrow the day after moving in.

Sabena Kasese, originally from Zimbabwe, and an NHS nurse for more than 20 years, moved on Saturday (4 August) to Leyfield Road, Milnrow from Leicestershire with son Joseph, 18, and daughter Lilian, 24, whom she planned to buy the house for.

Racist graffiti was sprayed on their house just a day later and the family had planned to move again ‘right away’. The incident is being investigated by police as a hate crime.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/121123/racist-graffiti-sprayed-on-house-in-hate-crime

In true Rochdale spirit, the local community has rallied around the Kasese family since the hate crime, with many donating gifts at a meetup in Milnrow Memorial Park.

 

 

The family were also welcomed by numerous representatives of the borough at St James’ Church, including MP Tony Lloyd, Mayor Mohammed Zaman, local police and councillors, and faith leaders such as Mark Davies and Mark Coleman.

Daughter Lilian said: “Thank you to the Rochdale community, the Mayor, the MP, The Bishop and lovely Rochdale churches. You have really made us feel very safe and accepted, and our gratitude goes beyond words! Thank you so much.”

“A big thanks to everyone who has been so supportive! The backing from all of you is more than I could have ever imagined. We have also been given such lovely gifts from the Rochdale community:such lovely people. [It is] making moving away very difficult now."

Superintendent John-Paul Ruffle, District Commander for the Rochdale Borough, said: “The continued show of solidarity and support of the Kasese family by the community of Milnrow GMP Pennine and GMP Rochdale has been incredible.

“The strength and courage they have shown is an inspiration to us all. [It was] great to see them, despite the circumstances.”

Suffragan Bishop of Middleton, Mark Davies, said: “Proud to stand alongside religious, political, civic and community leaders gathered at St James’, Milnrow in support of the wonderful Kasese family following the vile racist attack on them. As people of all faiths and people of goodwill, we say no to racism. Diversity is precious gift.”