ACT TO END HATE AGAINST LGBTI PEOPLE
29 to 31 July 2009: Trial into the murder of Eudy Simelane

On 29 to 30 July 2009 Khumbulane Magagula, Johannes Mahlangu and Themba Mvubu will reappear at the Delmas Circuit Court on the charges of robbery with aggravating circumstance, rape and murder of lesbian soccer player Eudy Simelane, whose body was discovered with multiple stab wounds on 28 April 2008 in Kwa-Thema, Ekurhuleni. The three co-accused pleaded not guilty in February this year. Their co-accused, Thato Mphiti pleaded guilty, implicated all three of them in his confession. Mpithi serving 31 years for his crimes and might be called to testify against the three who will appear before a new judge. Advocate Mudau will continue as Prosecutor.

This separate trial for the three is expected to reveal further evidence on the circumstances that let to the murder of Simelane. In February, the court was shocked and shattered to hear Mpithi’s confession detailing what he said transpired the early morning of April 28 last year.

The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project together with partner organisations plan to have hundreds of activist and supporters from Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Delmas picketing outside and following the proceedings inside the Court.

Join us in the struggle for justice against perpetrators of hate crimes against those who are different. Let’s fight for all rapists to go to prison; all people perpetuating hate to be jailed. Let’s fight for a South Africa free of homophobia, xenophobia, patriarchy, racism, sexism and chauvinism.

The messages are clear:

Justice for Eudy! No to impunity! Recognize the plights of LGBTI people and all women! Guilty as charged!

For further details you can contact:
Phumzile S. Mtetwa
Lesbian and Gay Equality Project
Cell: +27 72 795 9194

Emily Craven
Joint Working Group
Cell: +27 78 135 7535

MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL 070707 CAMPAIGN TO END HATE