More Delays in South African Lesbian Murder Trial

After 32 postponements over five years, the South African trial of nine men accused of murdering lesbian Zoliswa Nkonyana has been delayed yet again.

Public spectators seated in court Wednesday reportedly growled when it was announced the case might be stalled for another three months in order for state prosecutor Alfred Isaacs to obtain handwriting samples of one of the men on trial.

On February 4, 2006, 19-year-old Nkonyana was stabbed to death, allegedly because she was openly lesbian. Nine men, ranging in age from 19 to 25, have been accused of the murder. All have pleaded not guilty.

Two police investigators say suspect Zolile Kobese wrote and signed a sworn statement on the day of his arrest that contained his version of the events on the night of the murder. Kobese denies writing or signing the document. Samples of his handwriting and signature were taken this week and will be tested, a process that could take three months or more.

Read the full story here.