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Relief at lesbian killer jailing Relief at lesbian killer jailing
(about 3 hours later)
Gay activists in South Africa have welcomed the life sentence handed down to a man for the killing and gang rape of lesbian football star Eudy Simelane.Gay activists in South Africa have welcomed the life sentence handed down to a man for the killing and gang rape of lesbian football star Eudy Simelane.
Ms Simelelane was one of the first women to live openly as a lesbian in KwaThema township near Johannesburg. Ms Simelane was one of the first women to live openly as a lesbian in KwaThema township near Johannesburg.
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project says lesbians are often targets of sexual violence by people wanting to "cure" their homosexuality.The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project says lesbians are often targets of sexual violence by people wanting to "cure" their homosexuality.
Judge Ratha Mokgoathleng described the attack as "brutal and undignified".Judge Ratha Mokgoathleng described the attack as "brutal and undignified".
More than 30 lesbian women have been reported raped and murdered in homophobic attacks in South Africa since 1998. More than 30 lesbians have been reported raped and murdered in homophobic attacks in South Africa since 1998.
'Attackers knew her''Attackers knew her'
"We express relief at the conclusion of the trial, and thank everyone who has supported the mobilisations and campaign to ensure justice," The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project said in a statement sent to the BBC."We express relief at the conclusion of the trial, and thank everyone who has supported the mobilisations and campaign to ensure justice," The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project said in a statement sent to the BBC.
I'm happy. I'm released. My life will come right again Eudy Simelane's mother Mally Tackling SA's rape epidemicI'm happy. I'm released. My life will come right again Eudy Simelane's mother Mally Tackling SA's rape epidemic
"We call on all to support the long journey to ensure an egalitarian society.""We call on all to support the long journey to ensure an egalitarian society."
The body of the former national women's football team player and lesbian activist was found in an open field in KwaThema township in April 2008.The body of the former national women's football team player and lesbian activist was found in an open field in KwaThema township in April 2008.
Ms Simelelane was approached after leaving a pub and robbed of her mobile, trainers and cash. Ms Simelane was approached after leaving a pub and robbed of her mobile, trainers and cash.
She died from wounds to the abdomen after being gang raped and stabbed 12 times. Her naked body was dragged towards a stream and dumped.She died from wounds to the abdomen after being gang raped and stabbed 12 times. Her naked body was dragged towards a stream and dumped.
In the Delmas court, Judge Mokgoathleng said he believed she and her attackers were known to each other.In the Delmas court, Judge Mokgoathleng said he believed she and her attackers were known to each other.
Themba Mvubu, who had pleaded not guilty to all charges, was also sentenced to 20 years for being an accomplice to rape and 15 years for robbery.Themba Mvubu, who had pleaded not guilty to all charges, was also sentenced to 20 years for being an accomplice to rape and 15 years for robbery.
Two other men were acquitted.Two other men were acquitted.
In February, another man who had pleaded guilty to the charges was sentenced to 32 years.In February, another man who had pleaded guilty to the charges was sentenced to 32 years.
The prosecution initially had said sexuality was not a motive, but activists insisted it was a case of "corrective rape".The prosecution initially had said sexuality was not a motive, but activists insisted it was a case of "corrective rape".
After the sentence, Ms Simelane's mother Mally said: "I'm happy. I'm released. My life will come right again", South Africa's Mail and Guardian newspaper reports.After the sentence, Ms Simelane's mother Mally said: "I'm happy. I'm released. My life will come right again", South Africa's Mail and Guardian newspaper reports.
Crime statistics released on Tuesday show a 10% rise in sexual offences - with 27,750 rapes committed in six months.Crime statistics released on Tuesday show a 10% rise in sexual offences - with 27,750 rapes committed in six months.