Khayelitsha residents are taking matters into their own hands after activists threatened to shut down the Site B police station unless SA Police Services changed their approach to dealing with the queer community in the area.
On Tuesday, around 100 people took to the streets to fight “for our rights as lesbians,” stated Velisa Jara of Free Gender, as per News24.
The protest aimed to highlight the murder of Phelokazi Mqatyana, a lesbian, who lived in Site C and was stabbed to death. Justice had not been served with her case as a suspect was arrested, but the court case was postponed four times before it was withdrawn on 14 December, with the murderer free to walk the streets again, as per IOL.
The activists have demanded that the investigating officer be switched and better communication be provided throughout the case. They have also demanded a sit-down with President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Police Bheki Cele and police officers to discuss how to go about improving the community’s relationship with law enforcement.
They have advised that they would return to shut down the police station again if their demands are not met.
According to police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk: “The case docket is a murder case registered for investigation at Khayelitsha SAPS. A warrant of arrest has been issued for the suspect. Investigations continues.”
Also read:
US man who received first successful modified pig heart transplant dies
Picture: Unsplash