South Africa
Demands Justice in Lesbian Killings

South Africa's The Star reported Tuesday that there have been no suspects retained for the vicious murders of out lesbians Sizakele Sigasa and Salome Maoosa, which occurred over a year ago. "This has been a year of horror for us, knowing that a year has passed and no one has been convicted of the crimes," Mpumi Mathabela, of the Forum for Empowerment of Women, told The Star.

The families of Sigasa and Maoosa participated Monday in a march called Campaign 07-07-07 to raise awareness of antigay hate crimes, The Star reported. The march was held in memory of the two women. According to Dorcas Lynch, a spokesperson for the Maoosa family, families like those of the two victims can face difficulties and even danger when demanding justice for their children. "By coming out here today we are exposing ourselves to unknown attacks. It is difficult for families to stand up for their gay children in the community," Lynch told The Star.

The bodies of the two women were discovered last year in the primarily black Johannesburg township of Soweto. The women had been raped and shot. (The Advocate)