Justice Delayed: Johannesburg Grindr Gang Trial Postponed

After months of anticipation, the start of the trial of seven alleged members of the so-called Grindr gang syndicate, accused of kidnapping and brutally assaulting a Johannesburg student, has been postponed – seemingly due to professional incompetence.

The accused – Sanele Ndlovu, Vikani Khanyeza, Sohollo Khumalo, Sphamandla Mavundla, Lungisani Mshabalala, Thulani Mazibuko, and Khayelihle Zulu – face charges of kidnapping, attempted murder, and extortion.

Lawyer Absent as Trial Fails to Proceed

Their trial was scheduled to begin on Monday, 24 February, and run until 27 February at the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court, following a year and a half of pre-trial delays. Activists gathered at the court to support the victim and witness the proceedings, only to be met with yet another setback.

While the state prosecutor confirmed readiness for trial, as did the defence lawyer representing accused 4, 5, 6, and 7, the lawyer for accused 1, 2, and 3 failed to appear in court without notice or explanation.

To make matters worse, the three accused told the magistrate that they had never met or consulted with their legal aid defence lawyer, despite the trial date being set in November 2024.

As a result, the court postponed the matter to 7 March 2025, allowing time for the lawyer to consult with the accused and appear in court on the new date.

Outrage from LGBTQ+ Organisations

Parents, Families and Friends of South African Queers (PFSAQ) and the Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW), which have been monitoring the case, expressed their frustration over the delay.

In a joint statement, the organisations called the postponement “deeply disappointing” and criticised the justice system for failing queer victims.

“The path to justice has been obstructed by delays and procedural excuses, mirroring the violence of a legal system that too often neglects queer bodies,” they asserted.

They also highlighted that, while the survivor in this case is “bravely seeking justice,” many other LGBTQ+ victims targeted through dating apps like Grindr have been unable to do so. Some, they noted, remain missing, their fates unknown.

“The criminal justice system… appears reluctant to fully address the gravity of these crimes,” said PFSAQ and FEW. “We acknowledge the supportive words from leadership, including the president’s recent State of the Nation Address, but words alone are not enough. We demand action—swift, tangible, and unwavering.”

Brutal Attack and Rescue

The seven suspects are accused of using Grindr to lure an 18-year-old Wits University student to a fake date on 19 September 2023. They allegedly held him against his will, subjected him to severe physical assaults, and demanded a R30,000 ransom from his family.

The victim was rescued, and the men arrested after police caught one of the alleged perpetrators attempting to withdraw ransom funds from an ATM. The student was beaten so badly that he was admitted to ICU and remained hospitalised for three months.

The postponement of the trial is yet another obstacle in the long road to justice for the victim and a stark reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in securing legal accountability for crimes committed against them.