By Kaya 959 News
Police have arrested a man in connection with the murder of a KwaZulu-Natal woman who was a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Anele Bhengu’s mutilated body was found dumped in a field in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban. The 22-year-old woman was raped and stabbed several times.
Her throat and stomach were slit open.
KZN SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele, said Port Shepstone Tactical Response officers and Margate police detectives followed on information regarding a suspect linked to Anele’s murder.
Police proceeded to Gcilima on the south coast and when the suspect saw them, he fled into nearby bushes.
“The police gave chase and he was caught in the bushes. A 39-year-old suspect was placed under arrest and detained at Margate SAPS. He was transferred to KwaMakhutha SAPS for processing,” Mbele said.
Suspect’s home burned down
One of the men last seen with Bhengu allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday. Another has gone into hiding after residents burnt down his home.
He will appear in the Umbumbulu Magistrate’s Court soon.
KZN Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza, said the woman’s death sparked fear across the LGBTQIA+ community.
“They are increasingly becoming targets of homophobia. The increasing incidents of murders of the LGBTQIA+ community in the province was disgusting and shocking. It is clear more must be done to stop these hate crimes,” she said.
Hundreds of people walked through the streets of KwaMakhutha, calling for justice for Bhengu on 16 June.
Violence against LGBTQIA+ community
In recent weeks, Siphamandla Khoza and Andile Ntuthela were murdered.
Khoza’s body was found in a ditch. He was stabbed and his throat slit. Khoza was killed after he was out drinking with friends. During the outing, he was attacked and humilated for being gay.
Andile Ntuthela’s body was found in a shallow grave.
In another case, Lonwabo Jack was assaulted and murdered in Nyanga East.
Jack was raped and stabbed to death on his birthday.
READ: LGBTQ+ community mourns another death
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance of South Africa said it was in shock by the increse of premeditated murders that are directed to members of the LGBTQIA+ community in villages and in provinces around the country.
“The recent acts of gender-based violence against members of he LGBTQIA+ community calls for a concerted and collective effort from members of the organisations of LGBTQIA+,” GLASA said.
The organisation called for communities to unite for a common purpose and call for harsher sentencing, the prioritisation of the LGBTQIA+ hate crimes and stricter legislation that will ensure LGBTQIA+ communities, particularly the townships and rural areas enjoy their constitutional freedoms of equal opportunities, justice and rights.
