Aids activists to protest
2003-12-22 11:19
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UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has warned governments against using the economic crisis as an excuse to cut funding for fighting Aids.
Cape Town - Hundreds of Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) activists are expected to march in Khayelitsha on Monday to protest against the brutal gang-rape and murder of an HIV-positive community activist.
"We are trying to address the discrimination and stigma within our own communities by condemning what is happening to our colleagues," said TAC national organiser Mandla Majola.
Majola said the march was in response to the murder of 21-year-old Lorna Mlosana, who was beaten to death in a shebeen toilet after being gang-raped by five men. She was murdered after allegedly telling the men of her HIV-positive status.
Majola said Monday's march in Harare, Khayelitsha, will commence at noon, and see people converge outside the tavern where Mlosana was killed.
Marchers will then move to Mlosana's home, where they will offer condolences to her family, before gathering at the local police station to enquire about the progress of the investigation.
The protestors were expected to be addressed by TAC national chairman Zackie Achmat, local religious leaders and community HIV-positive men and women.
"This is not the first incident... many HIV-positive people are suffering at evil treatment (SIC) in our communities simply because they are openly declaring their HIV-positive status," said Majola.
Meanwhile, Khayelitsha police said two men arrested in connection with the murder were expected to appear in the Khayelitsha magistrate's court on Monday.
"The suspects face three charges of assault, rape and murder. More arrests are expected," said Inspector Lunga Ntsinde.
- SAPA