Still no arrests in Vaal lesbian murder

Despite earlier reports, there have been no arrests in last year’s horror murder of Gauteng lesbian Motshidisi Pascalini Melamu.

Melamu, 21, was murdered, mutilated and set on fire in Evaton North on 16 December after she left her home to go to a party with friends. It is believed she was also raped.

Last month, we received reports from two sources, which were also carried by the Citizen newspaper, that four people had been arrested in connection with the brutal attack.

According to Lindiwe Nhlapo, Chairperson of the group Vaal LGBTI, which has been closely monitoring the investigation, these reports are sadly not accurate.

“On Friday we went to the police station and spoke to the person in charge of the case and he told us that there are no arrests and no suspects,” Nhlapo confirmed to Mambaonline.

She said that despite initially failing to get much information from the police, the authorities have since started cooperating with the group. Mambaonline has also struggled to get in touch with police for information on the case.

“They are now willing to talk to us,” said Nhlapo. “It looks good. They are doing what they can and they have sent some evidence to the lab.”

Nhlapo said that she and her group would not rest until they had answers as to what happened to the young woman.

“What we want is justice for her and we will fight till we get justice and until we are 100 percent satisfied. We are not going to give up.”

In an effort to support the rattled local LGBTI community, Vaal LGBTI is hosting a social dialogue about “justice and equality for all” on 20 February at the Community Hall in Evaton North (11am – 3pm).

Not only will Melamu’s murder be discussed, but so will a number of rape cases in which there has been little progress.

The SAPS and NGOs will attend and answer questions from the public. For more information contact Lindiwe Nhlapo on 073 156 1697.