/ 12 January 2004

Men in court for rape and murder of Cape Aids activist

Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court number one was packed on Monday for the appearance of a 15-year-old and two co-accused appear in connection with the vicious gang-rape and murder of a Cape Town Aids activist.

Luyanda Zono (18) and Ncedile Ntumbukana (20) and the juvenile were arrested in connection with the murder in December of Lorna Mlofana.

Mlofana (21) was beaten to death in a shebeen toilet after being gang-raped by five men. She was assaulted after allegedly telling the men of her HIV-positive status.

Senior prosecutor Thembalihle Sidaki said the three accused faced charges of rape, murder and assault. The case was remanded to Thursday for a formal bail application.

”The office of the director of public prosecutions has prioritised this case, and one of their advocates will be doing the bail application,” said Sidaki.

Earlier in the day, a large group of toyi-toying Treatment Action Campaign supporters gathered outside the court on Monday ahead of the appearance of the three suspects.

”We are angry with what has happened and want the court to refuse bail. We want to pass the message to Khayelitsha and surrounding areas that such acts will not be tolerated,” said TAC national secretary Mandla Majola.

This was the second protest action called by the TAC in response to the incident.

A vocal group of protesters outside the court held aloft banners, some proclaiming ”No bail” and ”Criminals deserve jail sentences”. – Sapa