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Police have confirmed a man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Noluvo Swelindawo who was allegedly killed  because she was a lesbian.

The  22-year-old’s body was found near Khayelitsha a few days after she was abducted from her Driftsands home.

Known locally as “Vovo”,  she was abducted and assaulted at the start of the weekend, prompting a search throughout the community.

Friends and family claim the attack happened because of her sexual orientation and are calling for authorities to implement the country’s extensive LGBT protection laws.

The Daily Vox reports that the activist was well-known in her community as an active member of the Sikhumbule Safe Space group, raising awareness campaigns and holding workshops in schools on gender-based matters.

Free Gender Khayelitsha founder Funeka Soldaat said: “At the end of the day, Vovo was a woman and it should be every woman’s message that this is not okay.”

The Triangle Project, a human rights organisation in South Africa, has also condemned the killing.

Police spokesperson FC Van Wyk said: “Our investigation into the murder of Noluvo led to the arrest of the suspect on Monday afternoon. He will appear in court on Friday on charges of murder and kidnapping.”

He added that such crimes were deplorable and police would take them seriously,

 

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