Life Sentence for Killing of South African Lesbian

A life sentence was given to Themba Mvubu, 24,for taking part in the gang rape and murder of lesbian Soccer player Eudy Simelane from South Africa. The rape and murder adds to the spree of rapes against South African lesbians known as “corrective rape.” Corrective rape is defined as a practice in South Africa done to “correct” the sexual orientation of lesbian women.


"Simelane was one of the first women to live openly as a lesbian in KwaThema township, near Johannesburg. A keen footballer since childhood, she played for the South African women's team and worked as a coach and referee. She hoped to serve as a line official in the 2010 men's World Cup in South Africa.

But in April last year she was accosted while leaving a pub and robbed of a mobile phone, trainers and cash. She died from wounds to the abdomen after being gang-raped and stabbed 12 times. Her naked body was dragged towards a stream and dumped. "

Thato Mphithi was also convicted in the killing earlier this year. He was given a sentence of 32 years for pleading guilty to murder, robbery and attempted rape. Khumbulani Magagula, 22, and Johannes Mahlangu, 18, who also faced trial in the rape and murder were acquitted of all charges.

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