PROTEST AGAINST HATE CRIME COURT DELAY

A march is planned for Wednesday to protest against the continued delays in the hate crime trial of the men accused of murdering Banyana Banyana soccer player Eudy Simelane.

The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project issued a statement on Friday announcing that, together with Kwa-Thema based community structures, social movements and residents, it will hold the public march on September 10.

During the last three months the case has suffered delays attributed to three State agents: the Director of Public Prosecution, the South African Police Service and the prosecutor, said the organisation.

It demanded an investigation into the matter and called on the three parties to consult with each other to avoid any further delays.

The march will kick off at the Kwa-Thema Community Hall on the East Rand from 10am to 2pm.

Five men are to stand trial for Simelane’s murder. She was assaulted, raped and murdered in the Tornado section of Kwa-Thema at the end of April. It is believed that she was targeted because she was a lesbian.