DA to refer lesbian assault to SAHRC

Khanyisa Ndoda (left) with her girlfriend Bonisiwe Mtshali talk of there harrowing ordeal after being attacked by security gaurds working at The Carlton Centre after they alledgedly kissed each other goodbye in the mall. Picture: Antoine de Ras, 29/07/2012

Khanyisa Ndoda (left) with her girlfriend Bonisiwe Mtshali talk of there harrowing ordeal after being attacked by security gaurds working at The Carlton Centre after they alledgedly kissed each other goodbye in the mall. Picture: Antoine de Ras, 29/07/2012

Published Jul 31, 2012

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Johannesburg - The DA is to refer the alleged assault of a lesbian by security guards in Johannesburg to the SA Human Rights Commission.

“We believe that this goes beyond misconduct on the part of the security guards as well as the police,” said Democratic Alliance justice spokeswoman Debbie Schafer.

Bonisiwe Mtshali, 29, was allegedly attacked by security guards at the Carlton Centre after kissing her girlfriend goodbye on June 13.

She was beaten up so badly that she regained consciousness only three hours later.

Mtshali and her girlfriend Khanyisa Ndoda were told by police at the Johannesburg Central police station to drop the charges “as it was not a big case”.

Schafer said the SAHRC would be asked to investigate before the end of the day.

“It is unacceptable to be assaulted because of one’s sexual orientation. It is despicable when the victim tries to report the matter to the police only to be told that the matter is 'not a big issue'.” - Sapa

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