Sidwell Lengatsa, a well-known Gauteng LGBTIQ+ activist, has denied allegations of assault following his arrest for allegedly attacking a lesbian woman.
In a statement, the organisation Vaal LGBTI accused Lengatsa—described as the founder of the Vuka People’s Rainbow Movement—of violently assaulting Phindile Mamaile on 8 March 2025.
“This act of aggression is not only an attack on an individual but also a stain on our community and a violation of the principles of dignity, respect, and equality that we strive to uphold,” stated Vaal LGBTI.
The organisation’s Executive Director, Azania Sengwayo, told MambaOnline that Mamaile—who is receiving counselling—suffered a broken rib due to the alleged assault.
Arrest and Alleged Intimidation
MambaOnline understands that Lengatsa was arrested shortly after the incident, was charged with assault and was later released.
In its statement, Vaal LGBTI further alleged that Lengatsa has used his influence to intimidate and harass the survivor through his associates.
“This behaviour is an abhorrent display of power dynamics that seeks to silence victims and undermine the pursuit of justice,” the group claimed.
“We unequivocally reject any attempts to coerce Phindile into dropping the charges against him, and we stand firmly by her side as she navigates this painful journey.”
Vaal LGBTI , where Lengatsa previously served as Advocacy and Communications Officer, also shared a 2021 letter on social media in which he was suspended for alleged “gross misconduct”.
Vuka People’s Rainbow Movement Responds
In a message seen by MambaOnline, the Vuka People’s Rainbow Movement acknowledged Lengatsa’s arrest on 8 March.
While stating that it does not condone violence, the organisation added that “there are two sides to every story”.
“On behalf of the entire Executive Team, we stand with our leadership, especially during this difficult time, and we pray and hope he will be released soon,” the group said.
Lengatsa: “I Was Provoked”
On 26 March, Lengatsa issued a media statement in response to the allegations, which he said were part of an attempt to damage his reputation.
“I find myself in an unfortunate and distressing situation that has arisen from a moment of provocation, which out of fear, led me to defend myself through physical action,” he wrote.
He acknowledged his actions, stating: “I take full responsibility and accountability for my reaction on the day of the incident, and I have fully committed to complying with the law during this period of investigations.”
However, he expressed concern over what he described as exaggerated and misleading claims: “I am perplexed by the growing allegations and insinuations that seek to tarnish my name… I am not a monster or an abuser.”
Lengatsa claimed that Mamaile verbally attacked him in his home and that he reacted in fear due to the nature of the confrontation.
“She was loud and boisterous,” he stated, while emphasising that he did not flee and had cooperated fully with authorities.
He further asserted that he is the victim of a slander campaign: “This is orchestrated to ruin my reputation and diminish all the work and contributions I have done with different LGBTI organisations.”
Lengatsa revealed that he is pursuing legal action for defamation and will be seeking a protection order.
Apology and Leave of Absence
Lengatsa further apologised to the LGBTIQ+ community, his family, and the organisations he is involved with for his role in the incident. “This isolated incident should not be indicative of my behaviour,” he stated.
He confirmed that he will take voluntary leave from all organisations in which he holds positions while seeking psychological support.
“I am committed to addressing this issue transparently in the hopes of clearing my name while I advocate for a more amicable and constructive dialogue that reflects the truth of what transpired on that day.”
Clarification on Organisational Roles
Speaking to MambaOnline, Lengatsa downplayed his leadership role in the Vuka People’s Rainbow Movement:
“I’d like to correct the impression that I own the Vuka Vaal People’s Rainbow Movement. It is a collective initiative formed by several grassroots organisations that approached me to coordinate their efforts.”
He also addressed his suspension from Vaal LGBTI in 2021, claiming the disciplinary process was never finalised. “To this day, they’ve not reverted back to me on the outcomes,” he said.
“I’ve had my personal life attacked and splashed across the public for scrutiny and humiliation. I’ve had my image tarnished and false accusations made against me. Even then, my willingness to participate respectfully in the processes, as I am doing now, has never yielded any justifiable conclusions.”
