Living in fear in hate crime hotspot

FOR the LGBTQI+ community, June is a month of pride and celebration but it has been marred by violent hate crimes with the most recent victim being Anele Bhengu who was murdered on Sunday.

Bhengu, 21, was found in a ditch in Kwamakhutha with multiple stab wounds. She was also allegedly raped.

The LGBTQI+ community viewed her death as a hate crime as she was a lesbian.

Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said officers followed up on information regarding Bhengu’s death and a suspect was arrested on Thursday. The 39-year-old suspect was placed under arrest and detained at Margate SAPS. He was transferred to Kwamakhutha SAPS for processing. The suspect was set to appear before the Umbumbulu Magistrate’s Court soon.

Bhengu’s funeral took place yesterday in Kwamakhutha.

Thabani Seme, her cousin and family spokesperson, said Bhengu was loved by people.

Activist and leader in the LGBTQI+ community, Hlengiwe Buthelezi described Bhengu’s death as a hate crime that filled hearts with sadness and fear.

“We live in trying times but we try to get by, we try to be safe but we still become victims. The arrest is at least a step in the right direction.”

A rally in solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community and Bhengu’s family was held on Wednesday in Kwamakhutha but members of the community said Bhengu’s death has reignited fears.

The group of protesters marched to the nearby police station chanting and calling for justice.

During his Youth Day address on Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned attacks on members of the LGBTQI+ community.

“We must say no to violence against members of the LGBTQI+ community. Homophobia-fuelled violence has no place in our society.”

KZN MEC for Social Development, Nonhlanhla Khoza, visited Bhengu’s family this week.

“Her brutal murder sparked more fears within the gay and lesbian community as they are increasingly becoming targets of homophobia around the province,” said the MEC.

At the beginning of this month, flight attendant Aubrey Boshoga’s body was found outside his Johannesburg home, beaten and with multiple stab wounds.

Two months ago Sphamandla Khoza’s body was found in a ditch in Ntuzuma after he was stabbed and had his throat slit.

Meanwhile, activists and allies of the LGBTQI+ community have lambasted the relevant authorities for the slow introduction of the Hate Crimes Bill, which was currently delayed due to a pending Constitutional Court case ruling before Parliament can pass it as a new law.