Ire as SAPS questions the labelling of Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi's murder as homophobic

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape is facing scrutiny after it voiced concern about “the irresponsible labelling” of the murder of 16-year-old Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi as homophobic, while many civil society groups have called it a hate crime.

Mhlanganisi was killed on Thursday, 4 December 2025, in Site C, Khayelitsha, following an altercation with two acquaintances. He was assaulted and later succumbed to his injuries. 

A 17-year-old suspect was arrested, with a second suspect still being sought.

After the news of Mhlanganisi’s death, many on social media voiced their beliefs that the murder was an alleged hate crime and homophobic. 

The victim’s aunt, Nontombi Mthegeni, said:  “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.

However, the office of the provincial police commissioner later put out a statement stating that they were concerned about the homophobic label being used in certain news reports.

“Despite clear communication from SAPS that the motive for the murder has not yet been established, some media reports have suggested that the incident was homophobic in nature. We find it necessary to correct this misinformation to prevent unnecessary alarm within a community already burdened by high levels of violent crime.

“The case remains under investigation, and the exact motive will be determined as the matter progresses.”

Khulani Khayelitsha Queer Hub’s Sibusiso Nqunqeka from Khayelitsha Site C said that they were disappointed by the police statement “without even consulting with the LGBT/queer community at large”.

“It is disgusting that they say that. The father told us that this is a hate crime.”

Nqunqeka said that the attitude of the police, as witnessed in the statement, is one of the reasons that most of the LGBTI issues are not being reported. 

“Most of the hate crimes are not being reported because of their ignorance. It is important for us to actually remind people that queer people are here to live. They will always be here. They will not be going anywhere. We are here, and nothing about us, without us.

“Being gay is African, and gays must be free in Africa, more especially in South Africa. We must not only exist in the Constitution, but we must exist in communities. We must be respected, and we must be protected by all means, not only by the Constitution, but even the police must respect us. The way they will respect us, we will respect them. 

“There are so many unreported cases of the LGBT community, but because of their status, they are scared of reporting these cases,” Nqunqeka said.

“It is one of the reasons that we took it upon ourselves as the Khulani Khayelitsha Queer Hub to make sure that not in our name will another queer person die because of being a queer.

“You touch one of us. You touch all of us.”

Many other civil groups have also spoken out on Mhlanganisi’s murder. 

Impulse Group Cape Town said they are deeply saddened by this horrific act of senseless violence ending in a young life stolen far too soon.

“We refuse to stay silent. Their life mattered. Their identity was not a weapon. Their existence was not a threat. Kwakhanya deserved safety, dignity, and the freedom to be exactly who they were. Impulse Group Cape Town strongly condemns all forms of hate-based violence. 

“No child should be targeted, harmed, or silenced because of who they are, how they express themselves, or how they show up in the world.”

The Thulani Dasa Foundation said Mhlanganisi is not just a crime, but “it is an attack on humanity, dignity, and the constitutional values of South Africa”, and that he was killed “simply because he was gay”. 

“Hatred has no place in our communities, and violence against LGBTQ+ people must be confronted with the full force of the law. This barbarity reflects a dangerous level of moral decay that we must all stand against. This was not just a murder; it was a hate crime.”

Pride of Africa has said that his death has left his family, friends, and community devastated.

“We stand in solidarity with his family and community as they seek justice. We honour his memory by amplifying our voices against the violence faced by queer youth across South Africa.”

Nqunqeka said that the first accused is expected to appear on Wednesday, and that on the same day, they will be sending Mhlanganisi “off to his home, where he's gonna be buried”. 

“The family is only leaving on Thursday for the preparation of the burial, but the body is leaving on Wednesday.”

Nqunqeka has also pleaded with the local community not to ignore the cries and pleas of those in need of help. 

“When you hear a cry, assist, because Kwakhanya was crying. Kwakhanya’s cries were loud enough when this was happening, but nobody stood up until he was found dead. Let us stand as a community, regardless of whether you are an LGBTQ person or a heterosexual person, but let us stand together and unite as one.”

Those willing to assist with contributions towards funeral arrangements can contact Nqunqeka on 081 210 6363.