Zille visits family of hate crime victim

WESTERN Cape Premier Helen Zille visited the family of a 19-year-old woman who was apparently killed because of her sexual orientation.

"The attack on Sihle [Sikoji] once again highlights the scourge of hate crimes against lesbian women, and LGBT people more broadly, that continues to ravage our communities, leaving devastated families in their wake," Zille said.

"We must all stand against and seek to eradicate hate crimes because they are violations of the constitutional rights to life, dignity and freedom that every person deserves."

Zille said she spoke to Sikoji's grandmother, Nomangesi, and her mother, Ntombizanele, on Saturday.

Western Cape police were searching for four men after four women were attacked on Friday night.

"An argument ensued between them in which one of the women was fatally stabbed and another slightly wounded," Warrant Officer November Filander said.

"The suspects fled on foot. A case of murder is being investigated."

Luleki Sizwe, an organisation that supports lesbian, bisexual and transgender women, said Sikoji was stabbed because of her sexual orientation.

Zille said she also met Luleki Sizwe founder and director Ndumie Funda.

She applauded the organisation for defending the rights of lesbians and promoting equality.