Malmesbury community marches for Alfredo April, LGBTQ+ victim of violence

The community of Malmesbury came together to march in honour of Alfredo April, a beloved LGBTQ+ hair stylist, netball player, and drag queen.

April was tragically murdered on Thursday, 29 June, in the small town near Cape Town. He informed his mother in the early hours of the morning that he was going out to assist a friend who had messaged him, asking for bus fare.

Later on, it’s believed that the 40-year-old desperately sought help at a house after having his throat slit. Sadly, he collapsed outside the door and died on the scene.

On Thursday, 6 July, friends, family, and community members assembled at April’s home. Led by a traffic police escort, the group held up rainbow and transgender flags as they sang and marched to the location where April tragically lost his life. There, a service was held to pay tribute to him.

Close friend, Jacky Lamburg, was among those who organised the event under the theme of “born this way”. “He was a loving person and no one deserves to be murdered like this,” she told MambaOnline.

Lamburg explained that the march aimed to honour April and raise awareness about gender-based violence and hate crimes against the queer community in Malmesbury. “It was a sad day, and it’s still sad. It feels unreal, as if he is still at his salon,” said Lamburg. “We just want justice for him.”

Lamburg extended gratitude to Gender Dynamix for their support during the march and for providing counselling services to April’s family and the woman residing at the house where the tragic incident occurred.

The community continues to grieve the loss of April, and his absence is deeply felt. On Sunday, an emotional tribute show took place at the local Club Rendezvous, where April had previously performed in drag.

The event allowed the community to come together and celebrate his life. April, who was also know affectionally as Tanie, was not only an entertainer but also an active netball player associated with the West Coast Netball Federation.

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with April’s murder and appeared in the Malmesbury Regional Court on Tuesday. The next court date has been set for 17 July, as the legal process unfolds.

The march and community gatherings in Malmesbury serve as a testament to the impact Alfredo April had on the lives of those around him. His memory will continue to inspire the fight for equality, acceptance, and love.