Family members, activists, civil society organisations and members of the public are calling for justice for sixteen-year-old Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi.
One of the accused in his murder, suspected to be a homophobic hate crime, is scheduled to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court on the 17th of December.
Sixteen-year-old Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi was murdered on the night of the 3rd of December in BT Block, Site C, Khayelitsha, in what members of the community believe was a homophobic hate crime. A 17-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the murder.
The suspect was originally scheduled to appear in court on the 10th of December, but upon learning that the suspect would be turning 18 on the 16th of December, the court postponed the case to the 17th of December. There is a possible second suspect who allegedly accompanied the alleged perpetrator, who has yet to be arrested.
Mhlanganisi is being remembered as a gentle and bubbly teen who loved to read and draw.
The past week has seen an outpouring of calls for justice for Kwakhanya from activists, civil society organisations and members of the public.
The National Dialogue LGBTQIA Sector expressed their condemnation of Mhlanganisi’s murder, highlighting the discrepancy between the rights and lived realities of LGBTQIA+ individuals in South Africa.
“We condemn this horrific act in the strongest possible terms. There is no place for hatred, intolerance, or violence in our country. Our Constitution promises equality, safety, and dignity for all — yet crimes like this show how far we still are from realising that promise. Homophobic hate crimes continue to tear families apart, instil fear in communities, and undermine the very principles on which our democracy is built.”
The Embrace Diversity Movement (EDM) drew attention to the shock of this brutal murder taking place during the 16 Days Against Gender-Based Activism campaign.
“This tragedy unfolds during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) – a campaign meant to intensify national focus on ending violence. Yet it serves as a painful reminder that GBVF does not occur only within these 16 days. It is a daily reality that continues to devastate families and communities across South Africa. Hate crimes targeting LGBTQIA+ persons form part of this crisis.”
Members of Mhlanganisi’s family are also speaking out about the toll his murder has taken. In an interview with Drum, Mhlanganisi’s father, Sicelo Ntlanganiso said, “When we heard about this, it really was unbelievable, still is, and even now, as his family, we are really saddened by the news, but we’re trying to be unified and be there for each other as hard as it is.”
Ntlanganiso also corrected misinformation about the details of Mhlanganisi’s death. He clarified that Mhlanganisi was murdered on the night of the 3rd of December after being stoned, and that his body was recovered by police in the early hours of the 4th of December.
Ntlanganiso also clarified that Mhlanganisi was not put inside a 20 litre bucket and set alight, rather that the perpetrators placed a bucket on Mhlanganisi’s body that they set alight, resulting in severe burns. He also dispelled reports of Kwakhanya’s eyes being “gouged out” as false.
Despite the brutality of the crime, police have warned that speculation about a homophobic motive behind the murder is premature.
Mhlanganisi’s family is requesting support for his funeral, taking place on the 20th of December. If you are willing and able to donate, Sicelo Ntlanganiso’s banking details are listed below.
Bank Name: Standard Bank of Africa
Account Holder Name: SA MAKI
Account Number: 10137423657
Universal Branch Code (EFT): 051001
Account Type: MyMo Current Account
SWIFT Code (International): SBZAZAJJ
One Comment
My Heart breaks for you at the loss of this beautiful teenager due to hatred and ignorance.Our leaders and church”s need to promote Love and not Hate. Your in my prayers and thoughts.