Three LGBTQ+ people have been murdered in South Africa during Pride month following an increase in anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime. Anele Bhengu, a 22-year-old lesbian, was found dead on the side of the road in the township of KwaMakhutha, as reported by a local LGBTQ+ advoacy group. She was sexually assaulted before being stabbed to death while on her way to visit a friend. Police are investigating the incident but no arrests have been made.
Lulama Mvandaba, who also identified as a lesbian, was killed in her own home days before Bhengu’s death. According to local news publication IOL, her body was discovered when neighbours broke her door down, and her autopsy revealed numerous assault wounds. Her family believe she was targeted because of her sexuality, and said they are “extremely shocked and traumatised” by the situation.
Masixole Level, a 28-year-old gay man, was found dead one day after Mvandaba, with Mamba Online reporting that he was stabbed to death in Eastern Cape. His sister said: “It looked like someone hated him or really wanted him dead…If it was just a robbery they wouldn’t have stabbed him like that.” So far, no arrests have been made, and LGBTQ+ activists are demanding the government address the wave of hate crime sweeping the country.
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