Outrage as Khayelitsha Teen Killed in an Alleged Hate Crime

Sixteen-year-old Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi, also known as Ntlanganiso, was brutally murdered in a suspected hate crime amidst the 16 Days of Activism Campaign. His family and community are calling for justice.

Police have confirmed that the Cape Town teen was killed in the early hours of the 4th of December in BT Block, Site C, Khayelitsha. It’s been reported that Mhlanganisi – a learner at Intlanganiso High School – was beaten and burned in what members of the community suspect was a hate crime motivated by homophobia.

Mhlanganisi’s aunt, Nontombi Mthegeni, told IOL that Mhlanganisi was last seen alive by the family the night before. He went out to look for his sister when it’s believed that he encountered a group of teenagers.

Mthegeni said that members of the community claimed that the teenagers wanted to rob him of ciders he was carrying while calling him “a b*tch.” After an initial altercation, the group reportedly chased after him.

“It is said they hit him with bricks until he fainted. They hit him more after he fainted. When they finished beating him, they took an empty bucket and burned him. That’s when the children arrived, and we went to my sister. They called her, saying Kwakhanya was burning,” Mthegeni added.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested in connection with Mhlanganisi’s murder on Sunday and will appear in court on Wednesday the 10th of December.

Khayelitsha residents rallied outside Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Monday, demanding justice and accountability for Mhlanganisi’s brutal murder.

Sibusiso Orestes Nqunqeka from the Khulani Khayelitsha Queer Hub told the Daily Voice, “This horrific incident has deeply affected our community. Justice delayed is justice denied. We believe the boy was killed because he is gay. The law must take its course. The 17-year-old who allegedly killed Ntlanganiso must get life sentence without parole, to set an example for people who commit hate crimes.”

Outrage and condemnation of Mhlanganisi’s murder has been expressed by civil society organisations across the Western Cape.

Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, an organisation providing support to queer Muslims, said in a press statement, “We condemn this act with the strongest possible terms. No human being should ever face violence or hatred because of who they are…”

The group added: “Accountability is essential, not only for the sake of Kwakhanya and his loved ones, but for every queer person in South Africa who deserves safety, dignity, and full protection under the law.”

Al-Ghurbaah Foundation also criticised the authorities for failing to take queer lives seriously: “The government continues to show us, through inaction, that some lives are considered more valuable than others. How many times must we raise our voices, exposing ourselves to further risks, just to demand equal protection under the law?”

Anyone with information regarding Mhlanganisi’s murder is encouraged to contact Crime Stop on 086 001 0111.