Prosecution of Joburg Grindr Gang Seven to Continue
Activists and supporters gathered at the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on Thursday to call for justice for the Grindr Gang victim (Photo: OUT LGBT Well-being)
Despite fears of their possible release, the case against the seven ‘Grindr Gang’ men accused of kidnapping and beating a Johannesburg student remains on the court roll – but faces another postponement.
On Thursday, the men — Sanele Ndlovu, Vikani Khanyeza, Sohollo Khumalo, Sphamandla Mavundla, Lungisani Mshabalala, Thulani Mazibuko, and Khayelihle Zulu — appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court.
They are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder, and extortion of the Wits University student who was targeted on Grindr in September 2023.
Activists last week expressed concern that the prosecution was considering dropping the case against the men, but this has proved to be unfounded.
Virginia Magwaza of Parents, Families and Friends of South African Queers (PFSAQ) revealed on Tuesday that the prosecutor had allayed these fears and informed her that there is a strong case against the men and they will be prosecuted.
At least one Grindr Gang attack survivor and activists from groups including PFSAQ, Access Chapter 2, OUT LGBT Well-being, The Fruit Basket, and Wits Activate, gathered outside the court, singing and chanting to show solidarity with the victim and to demand that the suspects face justice.
Braving a chilly winter’s morning, they held up rainbow flags and placards with slogans like “Hope Will Never Be Silent”, “Justice for All”, and “We Are Powerful Because We Survived”.
The case was postponed once again to 12 August to give the accused, who will remain in custody, time to secure legal representation.
The seven men are accused of putting their young victim in the ICU (Photo: Access Chapter 2)
Earlier in the week, a smaller protest was held outside the NPA (National Prosecuting Authority) offices in Johannesburg to continue to pressure the entity to stay the course with its prosecution.
The suspects are accused of luring the 18-year-old Wits student to a fake date through Grindr on 19 September 2023. They held him against his will, subjected him to severe physical beatings, and demanded a ransom of R30,000 from his family.
The victim was rescued and the men arrested after one of the alleged perpetrators was caught by police attempting to withdraw ransom funds from an ATM. The student was so badly assaulted that he was admitted to ICU for several days.
Frustration over the continued delays in the case is growing. It has been 10 months since the men’s arrest, and the trial has yet to start.
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