Western Cape police has lashed out at some media houses on the reporting of the murder of a teenager from Khayelitsha.
16-year-old Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi was killed last Thursday, in Site C, Khayelitsha, following an altercation with two acquaintances. He was assaulted and later succumbed to his injuries.
SUPPLIED‘’The South African Police Service in the Western Cape
notes with concern the irresponsible labelling of the murder of 16 year old
Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi as homophobic in certain news reports. A second suspect
is still being sought. Despite clear communication from SAPS that the motive
for the murder has not yet been established, some media reports have suggested
that the incident was homophobic in nature. We find it necessary to correct
this misinformation to prevent unnecessary alarm within a community already
burdened by high levels of violent crime. The case remains under investigation,
and the exact motive will be determined as the matter progresses,’’ said Colonel
Andrè Traut, Western Cape police spokesperson.
A 17-year-old suspect has since been arrested where the
case will resume in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ court on Wednesday
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in the Western
Cape, Eric Ntabazalila, confirmed that the teenager appeared in court on
Monday, charged with murder.
“The case against the 17-year-old has been postponed until
December 10, 2025, for bail application and place of safety. The State will
oppose the release of the child in conflict with the law.”
Police said a second suspect is still being sought.
Done By: Mitchum George
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