CGE applaud Magistrate Whatten's judgement

10 Oct 2011

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) applauds the decision made by Magistrate Whatten in handing judgement against those that killed Zoliswa Nkonyana. Over five years and 40 postponements the family of Ms Nkonyana waited in agony to find out if those who killed their lesbian daughter will ever be found, let alone be prosecuted for their horrendous deeds.

The allegations that 20 men were involved in raping and murdering Ms Nkonyana also goes to show that people are still very intolerant of those with different sexual orientation, particularly Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgendered and Intersexed (LBGTI) people. The sentencing of the four whom Magistrate Whatten found guilty will go along way in sending a strong message to society that hate crime cannot be tolerated.

The CGE calls upon every South African citizen to be aware that LBGTI people, just like everyone else have rights as enshrined in the Constitution. We call upon the Justice system no to delay cases of this nature as it might be interpreted in some quarters as viewing the lives of LBGTI people as cheap. 

The CGE calls for all interested parties to rally around LGBTI people and help society to understand that LGBTI people are human beings who deserves respect and protection regardless of their sexual orientation. We will continue to monitor cases that involve LGBTI throughout the country. The CGE will support to the passing of hate crime legislation.

Statement issued by Javu Baloyi, Commission for Gender Equality, October 10 2011

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