Western Cape’s Community Safety MEC welcomes arrests of suspected LGBTQIA+ murder
The Western Cape’s MEC of Community Safety,
Albert Fritz, has welcomed the five arrests made by SAPS of suspects for the
murder of 16-year-old Liyabona Mabishi, who was stabbed 13 times in Nkanini in
Khayelitsha on Human Rights Day 2020.
At the time of the murder, it was suspected
that the attack might be a hate crime related to Mabishi’s sexuality. During
the attack, her friend had tried to intervene and was also stabbed. Mabishi died
on route to the hospital.
According to Fritz, SAPS revealed that Mabishi was stabbed whilst walking with a group. It is suspected that her group bumped into another group and a quarrel started, resulting in her attack. Fritz added that the murder weapons have been retrieved. MEC Fritz said that he was informed by police that while they currently do not have evidence of a hate-crime, that 5 people have been arrested for her murder and have appeared in the Khayelitsha Court.
The next appearance is on the 6th of July for a bail application. The accused are currently in custody. Fritz said that the State will oppose their bail application.
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