The long-awaited trial of the seven men accused of kidnapping and brutally assaulting a Johannesburg student in what has been dubbed the “Grindr Gang” case is finally set to begin in August.
During a brief appearance at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, the state and defence reviewed the case docket and confirmed readiness to proceed.
The accused, Sanele Ndlovu, Vikani Khanyeza, Sohollo Khumalo, Sphamandla Mavundla, Lungisani Mshabalala, Thulani Mazibuko, and Khayelihle Zulu, face multiple charges, including kidnapping, attempted murder, and extortion.
They are accused of using the dating app Grindr to lure an 18-year-old Wits University student to a fake date in September 2023.
The student was kidnapped, severely assaulted, and held for ransom. He was later rescued by police and spent three months in intensive care.
At Wednesday’s hearing, it was confirmed that the trial will commence in August, nearly two years after the accused were arrested and six months after the trial was originally set to start.
This follows months of delays due to scheduling conflicts and administrative issues that have frustrated both the victim and advocacy groups.
The case has drawn significant attention as concerns rise over the use of dating platforms like Grindr to target LGBTQ+ individuals.
Court proceedings are expected to resume with full trial hearings on 18 August.
Three other Gauteng men are facing similar charges in Cape Town in connection with several Grindr Gang attacks targeting queer men in that city. At least six victims have come forward, reporting incidents in the Cape Town CBD, Durbanville, Brackenfell, Claremont, and Camps Bay.
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