Pretoria - The brutal killing of Duduzile Zozo in Thokoza, which was reportedly based on her sexual orientation, has saddened and outraged government.
Twenty-six year old Zozo’s half-naked body was discovered at a house about 10m from her home on Sunday.
It a statement in Wednesday, Government urged South Africans to, in their everyday conduct, give expression to the Constitution.
“The Bill of Rights of our Constitution recognises and guarantees equality. This fundamental right enjoins South Africans not to discriminate against anyone on several grounds, including gender, sex and sexual orientation,” said a statement issued by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
Government appealed to communities to work together with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to book.
South Africans and civil society organisations are encouraged to partner with government in creating a safer and healthier environment for our communities to thrive.
GCIS Acting CEO Phumla Williams said: “Every South African has a duty to act against perpetrators of violence within the ambit of the law. Violent acts such as this reinforce the existing social inequalities, based on gender and sexuality and cannot go unchallenged.”
She said government will continue to strive to ensure that all citizens are and feel safe in their homes and places of work.
“As we enter Mandela Month, let us not forget what the father of the nation fought for - a democratic country governed by a Constitution that is anchored on a vision that promotes human dignity, human rights and freedom, non-racialism and non-sexism. Let us work together to keep the legacy of Nelson Mandela alive.”
Government conveyed its deepest condolences to Zozo’s family. – SAnews.gov.za
