One of the two accused in the Cape Town murder of queer Khayelitsha teenager Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi has been granted bail, sparking concern among LGBTQ+ activists and community members closely following the case.
The matter returned to court on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, for the continuation of accused number two’s bail application. Following arguments presented before the court, the accused was granted bail of R4,000 and has since been released under conditions set by the court.
The trial is now expected to begin on 15 July 2026.
Reacting to the outcome, Anele Ligunya, Chairperson of the LGBTQ+ rights organisation Free Gender, expressed disappointment, noting that the group’s primary concern remains securing justice for Mhlanganisi and his family.
“We remain concerned about the direction of the KwaKhanya Mhlanganisi court matter, particularly in light of what transpired in the Liyabona Mabishi [another queer teen murdered in Khayelitsha in 2020] case last year, where all five accused persons were acquitted due to insufficient evidence,” Ligunya told MambaOnline.
“These developments have raised fears that similar challenges could affect the pursuit of justice in the KwaKhanya matter.”
Ligunya said that while Free Gender respects the court’s decision, the organisation is troubled by the release of the accused.
“While we acknowledge and respect the court’s decision, we are disappointed by the outcome, particularly given the seriousness of the matter and the tragic circumstances surrounding the case.”
He added that the first accused remains behind bars.
“It is important to note that applicant number one, who is regarded as the main suspect in the matter, remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.”
A Case That Shocked the Community
Mhlanganisi’s murder sparked outrage across South Africa and renewed calls for stronger action against anti-LGBTQ+ violence.
The teenager was killed in December 2025 in Site C, Khayelitsha, in what activists and community members allege was a suspected homophobic hate crime. Reports at the time indicated that the young victim was brutally assaulted and burned to death.
At a previous court appearance in May, accused number one withdrew his bail application, while proceedings continued for accused number two.
The case has drawn widespread attention from LGBTQ+ organisations, human rights activists, and residents, many of whom have regularly attended court proceedings in solidarity with Mhlanganisi’s family and to demand accountability.
With the trial now scheduled to commence on 15 July, activists say they will continue to monitor the proceedings closely as they seek justice for KwaKhanya Mhlanganisi.
