MEC ACKNOWLEDGES ‘CORRECTIVE RAPE’ ON THE RISE

The Gauteng Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Community Safety, Faith Nonhlanhla Mazibuko, has acknowledged that the ‘corrective rape’ of lesbians is on the rise in the province, reported the Citizen on Thursday.

“It is shocking what is happening in our country,” said Mazibuko after visiting the family of recently murdered lesbian activist Noxolo Nogwaza, who is also believed to have been raped.

“Nogwaza is the third case of corrective rape that has been reported in Kwa-Thema. It has become a serious crime and it’s about time these cowards who violate these women’s rights are brought to book. Discriminating against someone because of their sexual orientation is against our constitution and should come to a stop,” she said.

“We cannot live in a country where people are abused and killed because of their sexuality. This has been happening for a long time and the department of community safety is taking it seriously and is ready to fight against this type of crimes.”

According to the newspaper, the Department of Community Safety is planning an outreach programme to help reduce hate crimes against LGBT people.

The national Department of Justice this week also announced a joint task team with LGBT groups to address the issue.

Nogwaza’s body was found on April 24th. Her face and head had been smashed by bricks lying nearby and she had been stabbed several times with broken glass.