Network slams lesbian murders

22 July 2007- South Africa- The Pietermaritzburg Gay and Lesbian Network has voiced its anger over the recent execution-style killing of two lesbians in Johannesburg. Sizakele Sigasa, 34, and 23-year-old Salome Masooa's bodies were found in a field near Meadowlands, Soweto, last Sunday.

Sigasa sustained three bullet wounds to her head and three to her collarbone. Masooa sustained a single gunshot wound to the head.

Director of the network, Anthony Waldhausen, said the killings were a shocking, but not unfamiliar image in South Africa, in the light of the recent increase in violence and rape against women and men who were either suspected of supporting, or who supported, lesbian and gay rights.

"Gays and lesbians are men and women, human beings who deserve equal rights and treatment. These gross human rights violations are not just inhuman and barbaric, they must not be tolerated. Sizakele and Salome's killers had no right to threaten or kill them," said Waldhausen.

"Violence against lesbians and gays is un-South African. Here, oppression and discrimination have no place, still there are parents who reject or kick children out on to the streets. Siblings, friends and communities sometimes hurt, beat, rape, torture and even kill lesbians and gays.

If they survive all this, they face further victimisation at in the hands of the police and even the courts. This is not justice at all."

Waldhausen said the network would call on state bodies and communities to support Sigasa and Masooa's families to ensure the killers were brought to book.

Waldhausen added that incidents such as this had urged the network to start up a gay and lesbian helpline. The telephone service was set up this month and is accessible to anyone in the country.

It provides callers with a range of information and advice, focusing on gay and lesbian needs. It also offers counselling and referrals to experts for those grappling with sexual orientation issues.

"My personal experience of coming out of the closet, about my sexuality, and the rejection I felt upon doing this, has motivated me to start a project like this," said Waldhausen.

The organisation provided support to those who felt helpless and isolated, including parents concerned about their children's sexual orientation.

"We have received calls from concerned parents who suspect their children are gay or lesbian. In this way the parent is counselled on how to deal with their child's sexual preferences and be supportive."

A team of volunteers and psychologists, with the support of Lifeline, had made the project a reality, said Waldhausen. The helpline number is 033 342 6500.

The service operates from Friday to Sunday between 6pm and 10pm.

 doreen.premdev@inl.co.za

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