Violence Against Women

The Commission for Gender Commission (CGE) strongly condemns the unfortunate killings of Gays and Lesbians in Johannesburg and elsewhere in the country.

The recent killing of Duduzile Zozo in Thokoza calls for all of us to action and unequivocally denounces these atrocious acts. The CGE is gravely concerned with the continued killings of gays and lesbians and hope the Justice Cluster will take up urgent discussion around these issues in an endeavour to address it.

The CGE views these acts as criminality and the perpetrators deserve to face the full might of the law, henceforth serve long sentences in jail, if proven to have committed these atrocities. It is our firm belief that the initiative taken by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development in establishing the National Task team that intends to explore ways of having a legislation that would address hate crime deaths should be applauded.

"We also call upon the Justice Cluster to fast-track the investigation and prosecuting of cases that involve the killing of gays and lesbians as we have noted long delays in cases relating to this issue", said Mr. Mfanozelwe Shozi, Chairperson of Commission for Gender Equality.

The CGE calls for all interested parties to rally around LGBTI people and help society to understand that LGBTI people are human beings who deserve respect and protection regardless of their sexual orientation. We will continue to monitor cases that involve LGBTI throughout the country.

Issued by: Commission for Gender Equality