Cape Town – As the Nyanga community took to the streets yesterday to call for an end to hate crimes, the 17-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the murder of a gay man was put in a place of safety.
Twenty-two-year-old Lonwabo Jack’s body was discovered in Nyanga East, Mau Mau, last weekend, after he had allegedly been raped and murdered.
The 17-year-old suspect was arrested on Wednesday in Eerste River and appeared yesterday at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the minor faces a charge of murder.
“He is charged with murder for now. His case has been postponed to April 29 for bail information. He is placed in a place of safety,” Ntabazalila said.
During a protest yesterday, community members described Nyanga as a hotbed for alleged hate crimes – in 2011 LGBTQI activist Ntsiki Tyatyeka was killed and in 2012 Phumeza Nkolonzi murdered, allegedly for being queer.
The founder of Langa For Men, an organisation that advocates for the rights of women, children and the LGBTQI community, Siyabonga Khusela, said enough was enough.
“We, as Langa For Men, do not condone victimisation of women, children and the LGBTQI community. We are here today in solidarity with all those who fell victim to this kind of crime. We’ll continue supporting the Jack family and ensure that the suspect does not receive bail,” he said.
Ilitha Labantu’s Siya Monakali said they were shocked and horrified by the way Jack was killed.
“There’s lots of compounding issues on gender-based violence that take place within this community. There are so many cases in Nyanga that don’t receive the level of justice that they deserve.
“Together as civil society, we’re trying to break the silence of abuse that takes place in our communities. The issue of homophobia in our communities is deeply rooted and we want to build a community that is more tolerant of people’s diversity,” he said.
Rape survivor and founder of the Precious Things organisation, Nobesuthu Matoti said they were deeply saddened by Jack’s death.
“I know how it feels to be violated. Our communities have become so cruel that violating another person's body, has become second nature to them. We should stand in solidarity as a community and fight for justice.”
Cape Times