Cape Town – Yet another gay man has been murdered after being allegedly raped in a suspected hate crime in Nyanga.
Lonwabo Jack’s lifeless body was discovered in a pool of blood with stab wounds in Mau-mau, Nyanga East. The incident occured on the 22-year-old’s birthday, according to the Lesbian Alliance Of South Africa (GLASA).
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said: “A case of murder was opened for investigating after a body of a man was found stabbed in Pula Road, Nyanga. The circumstances surrounding this incident are being investigated by the police with no arrests yet. Allegations of rape form part of the investigation.”
GLASA’s Frank Gazu said the organisation was saddened by the cruelty displayed in the killing of Jack, 22.
“Less than a week ago, we learned of Andile Ntuthela’s murder, and today we have learned that a similar hate crime has taken place in Nyanga East. Lonwabo was allegedly raped and killed on his birthday.
“GLASA appeals to the government to finalise the implementation of the Prevention and Combating Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill B9 of 2018.”
GLASA called on the South African authorities to promote awareness against hate crimes, saying it was becoming a pandemic.
Policing expert Eldred De Klerk said that everyone in society should be mindful ,make a pledge and undertake to respond to the needs of the vulnerable including those of the LGBTQIA+.
“Everyone needs to take leadership in this to fight stigma and not further stigmatise this community as well as watch their operatives and behaviour towards all groups whether its the LGBTQIA+ or commercial sex workers and everyone else.
“We really need to live up to the convention of Ubuntu, I’m not asking for special officers but for the whole police to play a role. We need to stay away from this idea that we need community relation officers.
’’We should rid society of this toxic masculinity. Being African means that I can’t be who I am if my community is not fully accepting of the gay, sex worker, or drug addict that I am.”
Women’s rights and gender-based violence group Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said: “It comes as a great shock to hear that there has been another horrific rape and murder of LGBTIQ+ persons. We urge members of the community to work together to help root out this scourge of violence and discrimination.
’’We need to build communities that are tolerant and accepting of people’s diversity and not discriminate against anyone based on their sexuality. Homophobia is deeply rooted in toxic masculinity and misogyny that exists in our homes, communities, and society and we ought to work together to root out this toxic behaviour so that the rights and dignity of LGBTIQ+ and all oppressed persons can be protected.”
Anyone with information on the incident can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 0860010111, or SMS Crime Line on 32211.
Cape Times