South Africa LGBTIQ+ Rights Watch: June 2024

MambaOnline and OUT LGBT Well-being publish a monthly overview of reported LGBTIQ+ rights violations in South Africa, including hate speech. We also look at the status of cases making their way through the criminal justice system. Here is our summary for June 2024.

OUT Lodged SAHRC Hate Speech Complaint Against Transphobic YouTuber

OUT LGBT Well-being filed a hate speech complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against a YouTuber known as “Skidmarks aka Briekmerke”, later identified as Colyn Serfontein, for posting a transphobic video. The video, reported to OUT by a distressed transgender woman, dehumanises transgender people and calls for their “cleansing” from society. The YouTuber criticises racial integration and feminism, derogatorily refers to transgender individuals and promotes harmful narratives. Sibonelo Ncanana from OUT argues that the video fosters an environment of hate against the LGBTIQ+ community. OUT seeks a written and video apology, sensitisation training for the YouTuber, and a R250,000 contribution to OUT’s hate crimes programme. The SAHRC is investigating the matter.

Public Protector Revealed Shocking State of SA Criminal Justice System

In a damning report, the Office of the Public Protector in South Africa found that the criminal justice system fails to protect victims of gender-based violence (GBV) and anti-LGBTIQ+ violence. The report, based on inspections of 38 courts, highlights poor infrastructure, inadequate equipment, and inefficient case management systems. The report futher found that the South African Police Service (SAPS) also failed to respond effectively to incidents due to insufficient training, lack of resources, and reluctance to arrest perpetrators. The Public Protector ordered the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, SAPS, and the Department of Social Development to take remedial action within 180 to 210 days, including improving court conditions, enhancing police training, and ensuring better support and coordination for GBV victims.

Transgender Kimberley High School Teen Murdered

Karabelo Pudumo, an 18-year-old transgender high school student from the Northern Cape, was tragically murdered on 1 June in Kimberley in a suspected hate crime. Karabelo was allegedly stabbed over 20 times by a man who realised her transgender identity while she was out with friends. A man has been reportedly arrested in connection with the murder. Karabelo, a Grade 10 learner at Pescodia High School, lived with her grandparents. Her death follows the recent murder of another transgender individual, Jo-Ann Isaks, highlighting a troubling rise in violent hate crimes against the LGBTIQ+ community in the Northern Cape. Shaine Griqua of the Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre called for greater law enforcement visibility and government action to protect LGBTIQA individuals.

Gay Man’s Harrowing Grindr Gang Ordeal in Cape Town

A Cape Town man faced a harrowing ordeal after being lured by criminals through the Grindr dating app. Following his spouse’s death, he sought companionship on the app, connecting with a man for several days before arranging a meeting on 11 June. The meeting point was changed to a location on Shortmarket Street, where he was ambushed, strangled, and taken to an apartment. The attackers tied him up, stripped him, and threatened him with a gun and knife, forcing him to transfer funds and request money from his family. Despite the victim’s pleas, police response was initially slow and indifferent, and evidence collection was delayed.

NMB Horrified by Murder of Lesbian Woman Nelly Xeke in Motherwell

The LGBTIQ+ community in Nelson Mandela Bay was devastated by the brutal murder of Neliseka “Nelly” Xeke, a 28-year-old lesbian woman, in Motherwell, Eastern Cape. Nelly was found with severe wounds near a tavern close to her home on the morning of 17 June 2024, having been attacked the night before, on her birthday. Known for her humility and care, Nelly played a vital role in the Engage Men’s Health initiative. She was reportedly killed while trying to stop a man from assaulting his girlfriend. The suspect surrendered to the police on 19 June and was remanded in custody. A candlelight vigil and memorial service were held on 24 June to honour Nelly’s life. Her death spotlights the impact of anti-queer and gender-based violence and the need for stronger protections.

Three Grindr Gang Suspects Arrested in Cape Town

Three men from Gauteng, believed to be part of the “Grindr Gang” syndicate that has targeted gay and bisexual men in Cape Town, were arrested and appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates Court. The suspects, Mlungisi Vincent Mbutu, Bongani Zulu, and Zwelakhe Ngwenya, were identified by a victim who was ambushed, strangled, tied up, and robbed in the Woodstock area after being lured to a meeting via the Grindr app. The trio, linked to similar crimes in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, face charges of kidnapping and extortion. The arrests draw attention to the ongoing issue of violent crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals using dating apps in South Africa, where victims often face additional challenges in reporting due to fear of outing and inadequate police response.

• Have you experienced or witnessed an LGBTIQ+ rights violation such as a hate crime, hate speech or any other kind of LGBTIQ+ discrimination in South Africa? If you’d like to bring it to the attention of the LGBTIQ+ community, email info@mambaonline.com. 
• If you need free support to uphold your LGBTIQ+ rights, please email OUT at report@out.org.za.
• Did you know you can lodge a complaint of unfair discrimination or hate speech (at no cost and without a lawyer), in the Equality Courts, which are located across South Africa? For more information, read OUT’s guide to using the Equality Courts.