International footballer Eudy Simelane was apparently sexually assaulted and tortured before being killed three years ago.
Human rights campaigners have warned of an "epidemic" of brutal homophobic attacks in South Africa after the murder and alleged gang rape of a lesbian activist, reports the UK’s Guardian.
Noxolo Nogwaza was killed last month after what appeared to be a so-called "corrective rape", an increasingly common crime in which men rape lesbians to "turn" them straight or "cure" them of their sexual orientation.
The 24-year-old's face and head were disfigured by stoning, she was stabbed several times with broken glass and evidence suggested she was raped. A beer bottle, a big rock and used condoms were found on and near her body.
Human Rights Watch noted that no arrests have been made and claimed homophobic violence is continuing unchecked in South Africa's townships.
Dipika Nath, a researcher in the group's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights programme, said: "Nogwaza's death is the latest in a long series of sadistic crimes against lesbians, gay men and transgender people in South Africa. The vicious nature of the assault is a potent reminder that these attacks are premeditated, planned and often committed with impunity."
Nogwaza was an active member of the Ekurhuleni Pride Organising Committee, which has organised pride marches for Kwa-Thema and nearby townships in Gauteng province since 2009. Members have faced harassment and attacks because of their visibility.
Full report -
No comments:
Post a Comment