Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW) a Johannesburg based organization that advocates for lesbians’ rights, strongly condemns the vicious attack of 21-year-old Ncumisa Mzamelo in an apparent hate crime. According to reports, Mzamelo’s lifestyle could have been why she was murdered, dumped in a disused toilet and her body set on fire. The circumstances and the severe brutality of the attack are indicative that the victim may have been targeted because of her sexual orientation. The intersectionality of black lesbians identities continue to put them at risk of being “corrected” of their sexuality. We strongly urge local authorities to investigate this as a hate crime, and urge that they access resources provided by the state and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) sector to prosecute perpetrator/s.

The vicious murder is another troubling example of baseless hatred being carried out to a violent conclusion. As members of this society we have the responsibility to uphold human dignity, freedom and equality as stipulated in the South African Constitution regardless of personal belief systems. It is unacceptable that people who are different, on the bases of nationality, class, gender and sexual orientation still continue to live in fear of being persecuted.

Hate motivated crimes are intended to send a message of intimidation and instill fear, but if we stand together to condemn such acts, we can demonstrate that needless violence has no place in South Africa and will be countered at every turn. All members of this country should be treated fairly and with respect, regardless of the minority group they represent.

“We feel angry that we still have to go through all these shocking and brutal murders that are still happening towards lesbian women. More vigorous law enforcement must be put in place, to prevent, deter, and respond effectively to criminal violence motivated by bigotry and prejudice." said FEW’s Programme Coordinator Phindi Malaza.

While the increase in the number of hate crimes may be partially attributed to improve reporting, the fact that these numbers remain elevated – particularly the significant rise in the number of victims selected on the basis of sexual orientation - should be of concern to every South African.

Hate crimes have an impact far beyond the individual victim they effectively intimidate other members of the victim's community leaving them feeling isolated, vulnerable and unprotected by the law. It is critical for community leaders and law enforcement to send a strong message to the perpetrators and the community.
Police at Bhambayi, New Town C, Inanda are still investigating and no arrests have been made.

Worst, this inhuman incident happened during the International 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign which seek to make people aware of the negative impact of violence on women and children and to act against abuse

BROUGHT TO YOU BY PAMBAZUKA NEWS

* Please send comments to [email protected] or comment online at Pambazuka News.