Activism

Violence against women: Hate Crime, murder of Lesbian Eudy Simelane,Banyana Banyana midfilder

Hate Crime: The murder of Eudy Simelane 31-year-old Eudy Simelane former Banyana Banyana midfielder was gang raped and stabbed to death, last week Monday 28th of April 2007. Her body was laid to rest last week Sunday 4th of May. She was murdered in KwaTema, Ekurhuleni east of Johannesburg, returning home with friends from a tavern. She was confronted by a gang who allegedly gang raped and repeatedly stabbed her to death. Her half-naked body was found in a field near the hostel KwaThema last Tuesday. Police arrested three men in their early twenties a week ago and two others, aged 23 and 30, last Tuesday. A knife used during the murder was allegedly found in their possession. Together with partner women rights group organisations; TAC Ekurhuleni district has again raised concerns around the incidents. We believe that the incident is a hate crime simply by the fact that the victim in this case was a well known lesbian. The case of five men accused of raping and murdering former national women’s soccer team player was postponed in the KwaThema regional court on Monday. The case has been postponed for further investigation until May 13. In the meantime TAC Ekurhuleni district is working together with, Carrie Shelver of People Opposed to Women Abuse, and Nhlahla of 777. Portia Serote is taking charge in organising a picket next week Tuesday 13th of May. I will post the story under community stories on the website, the media is already aware about the case but I will send out a press alert Friday/Monday.