Gay rights activists on Friday called for the maximum sentence for the alleged killers of Banyana Banyana soccer player and gay rights activist Eudy Simelane as the state closed its case.

The three accused's defence will be heard on 26 August. "We are calling for them to be found guilty and get a maximum sentence for each count," Phumzile Mtetwa, spokesperson for the Lesbian and Gay Equality Project, said outside the Delmas Circuit Court.

Simelane was allegedly gang-raped and then stabbed to death in 2008.

Her body was found in an open field next to the KwaThema hostel in April last year, and the killing was linked to a spate of attacks on gays and lesbians.

Khumbulani Magagula, Johannes Mahlangu and Themba Mvubu pleaded not guilty to the murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and rape charges.

The last state witness testified on Friday and the matter was then postponed.

Since the start of the case, dozens of protesters have sung and toyi-toyied outside court, calling for the maximum sentence to be imposed on the trio.

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