LGBT groups demand justice for David Olyne

LGBT and human rights groups have demonstrated outside the Ceres Magistrates’ Court, calling for justice for David Olyne, the young gay man who was tortured, murdered and set on fire last year.

Die Son reported that activists from Rainbow Angels, Sonke Gender Justice, Triangle Project and Witzenberg Rural Development on Tuesday held up signs that read: “Stop Hate Crimes”, “‪#‎InjusticeMustFall‬”, “SAPS, Dust Yourself Off”, and “‪#‎Justice‬ for David”.

Christo Oncker has been accused of beating a bound Olyne, 23, with a rock, jumping on his face and then repeatedly setting him on fire as a group of teens watched on in March 2014.

Oncker allegedly called the youths to watch him “kill a moffie.” It was reported at the time that the teens later wandered off without reporting the incident, only telling a woman the next day after they returned to the scene to see if Olyne was still alive.

Inside the court, which is sitting as a High Court, Sharon Cox, Triangle Project’s Health and Support Services Manager, testified that she believes that Oncker was not the only killer, as presented by the state.

She also slammed the police’s investigation, claiming that they had ignored some witnesses to the brutal crime.

Cox testified: “I find it very strange finding out from the accused’s mother that the police did not take a statement from Christo Oncke’s cousin because he is family.”

Petronella Krotz, a friend of the deceased young man, also testified that Olyne would have been able to fight off a single attacker.

The prosecution, however, insisted that the victim’s head injuries were so severe that he would not have been able to fight back.

According to Triangle, judgement in the trial is expected to be handed down on December 3.