Trial resumes on rape and murder of lesbian sportswoman

Protestors gathered outside the Delmas circuit court in South Africa on Wednesday as the trial of three men accused of murdering lesbian soccer player Eudy Simelane resumed.

Eudy Simelane, a player for Banyana Banyana and prominent South African gay rights activist, was stabbed to death in 2008.

The three men, Khumbulani Magagula, Johannes Mahlangu and Themba Mvubu, face charges of murder, robbery and rape.

As the trial resumes, activists are already calling for maximum penalties to be imposed.

“Let’s fight for all rapists to go to prison… all people perpetuating hate to be jailed,” Phumzile Mtetwa, said in a statement for the Lesbian and Gay Equality Project.

“Let’s fight for a South Africa free of homophobia, xenophobia, patriarchy, racism, sexism and chauvinism.”
Mtetwa predicted the 250-strong crowd of protestors would picket the court throughout the day’s proceedings.