Since 2010, at least eight gay men have been murdered in Gauteng. These murders remain unsolved and they share many similarities. All the victims were gay, they were murdered in their private homes, little or nothing was stolen, there was no sign of forced entry, and most of them were strangled. There is a suspicion that at least some of them met their attackers through on-line and cell phone dating services.
Dawie Nel, the Director of OUT, says: "In our view there is a definite pattern in these murders and SAPS should investigate possible links."
There has been very little progress from SAPS in investigating these links. Moreover, there has been little progress in the cases generally. OUT has followed up with the relevant SAPS investigating officers in specific cases, and has been met with resistance to investigating possible links.
Some of the victims' family members have also struggled to get information from investigating officers. Because of SAPS resistance and lack of progress, one victim's family has hired a private investigator in an effort to ensure justice.
OUT has now formed a Task Team on this matter and will be actively following up with the specific SAPS stations and their Commissioners as well as taking the issue further on a provincial level and with the Independent Complaints Directorate.
At the same time, OUT has started an awareness campaign among gay men around the dangers of letting strangers into their homes.
"This is urgent. The SAPS machinery needs to see it as such and we call for swift justice," says Nel. "Gay men suffer greatly in our society; one that promises equality on the basis of sexual orientation. OUT will continue our monitoring of the progress in these cases to ensure a fair, just and equitable society," he adds. - Via http://www.out.org.za/index.asp
It saddens me to see that the authorities do not value my life as a gay man the same as that of a straight man or woman. it doesn't stop there, i have yet to hear even one news article or bulletin on radio stations like 94.7 High Veld Stereo regarding this matter or any gay related matter.
Its time that someone takes action, how many more gay men or women should be murdered before this would be seen for what it is...a serial killer praying on the gay community!
Get your act together South Africa, the constitution gave me the same rights as the rest of the country and protection from this kind of sicko is one of them!
Please show your support in this matter, it can not be left as unsolved and eventually forgotten!
MG
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