Durban musician brutally killed in alleged homophobic attack
An Umlazi family's been speaking about their disbelief after their 23-year-old son was murdered at a local butchery.
Lindokuhle Cele had gone to the K-section shop on Thursday night when he was stabbed with a butcher's knife.
The local musician died on arrival at hospital.
Family spokesperson Nombuso Cele says, "A guy had already told some of his friends he didn't like Lindo because he was gay. So he wanted to finish him. He didn't like the fact that he was beautiful and that people loved him so much and the fact that he was famous."
"So, he wanted to do everything in his power to make sure that he destroys his face, as well as his eyes. He wanted to leave him blind."
Police say a 30-year-old suspect will appear in the Umlazi Magistrate's Court on Monday on a charge of murder.
READ: Family of man found with maggots in mouth serves KZN Health with summons
Reacting to the murder, KZN Social Development MEC Mrs Nonhlanhla Khoza says: “Cele's murder points that we are facing a crisis in our society where people fail to respect the right to life. It is clear that Cele’s killer had no conscience or sympathy of the pain inflicted upon the family and the society at large."
"Our government and other stakeholders have done a lot to educate our communities about the LGBTQI community. These days, we shouldn't be talking about discrimination or murders that are fuelled by homophobia.”
Following the murder, #Justice4Lindo started trending on Twitter.
#justice4lindo 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/aFfcWZsEUG
— SHEKHINAH (@shekhinahd) February 9, 2020
We as the Gay & Lesbian Network are deeply sad to hear about the tragic death of Lindokuhle Cele. We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends. #justice4lindo #stophomophobia pic.twitter.com/f79vovpCUq
— Gay & Lesbian Network (@GLNkzn) February 9, 2020
Man, my heart is in my throat. Mostly because I knew your heart. Your beautiful heart.
— IG: MR_MahlatseJames (@MahlatseJ) February 9, 2020
Rest easy poi and thank you for a mind always so darn open to playing dress-up whenever I showed up with a bunch of shiny trinkets and stuff. Love you forever. #justice4lindo pic.twitter.com/syEay1n9hS
An amazing performer. He had such great energy and presence. His death has shaken us. Why is this still happening ? 😰😔#justice4lindo pic.twitter.com/qgl6gJf341
— othervillagepeople (@othervillagepe1) February 9, 2020
#justice4lindo
— THE GAY SUPERHERO. (@MON_DEEE) February 9, 2020
One of our own has been taken from this world trying to do good in this world. One of our own has been taken from us like their existence did not matter. They say we complain too much yet they continue to kill us. 😭😢🌈 pic.twitter.com/TKd7zX0fYU
Straight men killing women for rejecting their advances.
— Natasha (@dramadelinquent) February 9, 2020
Straight men killing gay men for being gay.
When will they stop?#justice4lindo
Lindokuhle Cele 😭❤️ Rest In Peace my friend 🕊. I’m so sorry 😭😭😭#justice4lindo pic.twitter.com/8UIYl13tyv
— Asavela Mngqithi (@asamngqithi) February 9, 2020
#justice4lindo so South African heterosexual men are the only ones who can live freely then ? Not women , not children , not foreigners, not members of the LGBTI+ community just South African heterosexual men ?
— Enhłe.Zwane (@EnhZwane) February 9, 2020
Okay .
Remembering every experience shared , not once could I have imagined such a tragedy could fall on one of the strongest human being I've met. I hope your shredding it on heavens stage and guard over all the souls you were fighting so hard to protect.#justice4lindo pic.twitter.com/X53HG6FlOp
— Ntuthuko Paul (@NtuthukoPaul) February 9, 2020
