The 17-year-old boy arrested for the murder of a gay man reportedly started flirting with the victim on the day of his death.
The teen made his first appearance in Athlone Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
The teenager, whose name is withheld because he is still a minor, is accused of stabbing Lonwabo Jack while he celebrated his birthday with his friends on Saturday.
The victim’s aunt said her nephew’s birthday will always remind them of his tragic death.
Ntombizodwa Dyantyi, 39, says: “He came to this earth on 17 April and left on the same day, and that will always be a difficult day for us as a family.”
Witnesses say the accused lured the victim to a hokkie near where his lifeless body was found with a stab wound to the heart.
Activist Thulani Pike says they believe Jack was also raped.
“His body had semen on it and he was half naked, and we have no choice but to blame the suspect as he was the last person seen with Lonwabo while he was still alive.
“He took the victim from his friends while he was still celebrating.
“Lonwabo left with the accused after he flirted with him, and he obviously trusted him and never thought he would be killed by this boy.”
The ‘Justice for Lonwabo Jack’ supporters were outside the court chanting for the accused to remain behind bars.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s Eric Ntabazalila confirms: “He is charged with the murder of 22-year-old gay man, Lonwabo Jack. He is only charged with murder for now.
“His case has been postponed to 29 April for bail information.
“He is in a place of safety, Bonnytoun.”