Calls for justice after 16-year-old beaten and burned in alleged hate crime in Khayelitsha
Emotions run high as residents of Khayelitsha demand stronger protections for LGBTQ+ individuals following the murder of Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Newspapers
THE 17-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi is expected back in court on Wednesday.
Kwakhanya's murder sent shockwaves through the Khayelitsha community, igniting calls for justice and stronger protection for LGBTQ+ individuals amid allegations of a homophobic motive behind the attack.
On Monday, residents gathered outside the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court to demand justice.
Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi was beaten and burned, allegedly by a group of boys in Khayelitsha last week.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Newspapers
National Prosecuting Authority Western Cape spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that the teen appeared at the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court, charged with murder.
“The case against the 17-year-old has been postponed until December 10, 2025, for bail application and place of safety,” Ntabazalila said.
“The State will oppose the release of the child in conflict with the law.”
Community members gather outside the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Monday, demanding justice for Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Newspapers
Nontombi Mthegeni, Kwakhanya’s aunt, said that before his death, they last saw Kwakhanya on Wednesday. Kwakhanya’s body was found on Thursday morning.
The aunt said Kwakhanya left the house to look for his sister and it is believed he encountered other teenagers.
Mthegeni said other residents told her that Kwakhanya was targeted.
“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 said.
Protesters unite in solidarity, calling for accountability in the tragic murder of 16-year-old Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Newspapers
“We feel sad because Kwakhanya was still a child. He was 16, and we were waiting for beautiful things from him.”
“Maybe they killed him because he was gay and they were boys. We don’t know what happened, we don’t know if they argued, we don’t know,” Mthegeni said.
Khulani Khayelitsha Queer Hub’s Sibusiso Nqunqeka from Site C said they went to court because they wanted justice.
Nqunqeka said the incident has deeply affected their community.
“Yes, we exist on paper. Our Constitution protects us, yet there are no actions that are being taken,” Nqunqeka said.
Cape Times