HATE CRIME TRIAL RESTARTS TODAY

The murder trial of lesbian soccer player Eudy Simelane restarts today at the Delmas Circuit Court. Khumbulane Magagula, Johannes Mahlangu and Themba Mvubu will appear in court on the charges of robbery with aggravating circumstance, rape and murder.

Simelane’s body was discovered with multiple stab wounds on 28 April 2008 in Kwa-Thema, Ekurhuleni. The rape and murder is believed to have been prompted by homophobia.

The three co-accused pleaded not guilty in February this year. The other co-accused, Thato Mphiti, pleaded guilty earlier this year and implicated all three of them in his confession.

This separate trial for the three is expected to reveal further evidence on the circumstances that led to the murder of Simelane. In February, the court was shocked to hear Mpithi’s confession detailing what he said transpired the early morning of April 28 last year. He is now serving a 31 year sentence for the murder.

The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project together with partner organisations planned to have hundreds of activist and supporters from Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Delmas picketing outside and following the proceedings inside the Court.