The community of Khayelitsha is reeling after the horrific killing of 16-year-old Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi, a teenager whose life was cut short in a brutal attack that residents believe may have been driven by homophobia.
On Monday, dozens of people gathered outside the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court, carrying placards and calling for justice as a 17-year-old boy appeared in connection with the murder. The case was postponed to December 10 for a bail application, with the State indicating it will oppose his release.
For the Mhlanganisi family, the pain is unbearable. Kwakhanya’s aunt, Nontombi Mthegeni, described the moments leading up to the attack. She said Kwakhanya had stepped out on Wednesday night to look for his sister when he encountered a group of teenagers. Residents later told her that the teens targeted him, insulted him, and tried to take his drink by force.
What followed was a chase through the informal settlement. According to what the family was told, the group beat Kwakhanya with bricks until he collapsed. Even after he fainted, the assault continued. His body was later burned.
His mother was called to the scene the next morning—faced with the devastating sight no parent should ever witness.
“We feel deeply hurt. Kwakhanya was just a child, only 16. We were expecting a bright future for him,” Mthegeni said. She added that the family knew and accepted that Kwakhanya was gay.
Community activists say the attack has highlighted just how unsafe LGBTQ+ youths still are. Members of the Khayelitsha Queer Hub joined Monday’s protest, insisting that the violence was rooted in homophobia.
“Our Constitution may protect LGBTQ+ people on paper, but in our daily lives, we are not safe,” said activist Sibusiso Nqunqeka. “We want justice for Kwakhanya and real protection for our community.”
The tragedy has left Khayelitsha shaken, as residents call for accountability, stronger policing, and better safeguarding of LGBTQ+ youth.