EVATON. – Pascalinah Pasca Melamu was reported missing last December and later found murdered and raped at Lakeside Proper.
On Saturday the Evaton Multipurpose Centre hosted an open community dialogue about the death and cruelty meted out to Melamu and others.
It is certain that the epidemic of discrimination against lesbians and gays is still problematic. “We are not accepted within our own communities and families. We are discriminated against, while we never chose to be bisexual, transgender or intersexual,” these were words of Lindiwe Nhlapo of LGBTI (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals,Transgenders and Intersexuals).
The YCLSA (Young Communist League of South Africa) Vaal District and Vaal LGBTI (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersexuals) stand united against all forms of hate crime targeting LGBTIs as demonstrated by conducting a dialogue for the community and those affected by cases of crimes against LGBTIs.
Keneilwe Nkhi from POWA (People Opposing Woman Abuse) Evaton says no-one has the right to hurt or abuse: “However, criminals have no sympathy. They do as they please. That is why we have such crimes. In reality, as a lesbian you are still a woman and, at the end of the day, must find a way to stay protected after any party or drinking spree.” Nkhi also says they are creating a relationship with such organisations to educate them about crime.
The dialogue included SAPS’s Tsolonyane Matleletsa who said domestic violence is real. He says domestic crimes are part of domestic societal crimes and need to be dealt with collectively.
Mathebula.Mduduzi@media24.com
