LGBT groups call on Cele to intervene in gang-rape, murder case
A meeting was held at the Mayibuye Cultural Centre this week where it was decided that the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, should be called in to intervene in speeding up the arrest of suspects involved in the gang-rape and murder of Tankiso Tawanyane. Picture: Sandi Kwon Hoo
LGBTIQA+ groups in the Northern Cape have requested the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, to intervene following the gang-rape and murder of Tankiso Tawanyane, 34, who was doused with paraffin and set alight on October 7 near 3 SAI military base in Roodepan, Kimberley.
Tawanyane managed to flee from the scene and collapsed in a nearby informal settlement. She had, however, sustained serious injuries and died in hospital the following day.
The three suspects who allegedly raped her have not been arrested yet despite a R50,000 reward being offered by the police.
A meeting was held at the Mayibuye Cultural Centre this week where it was decided that Minister Cele should be called in to intervene in speeding up the arrest of suspects involved in the brutal rape and murder of Tawanyane.
Shaine Griqua, from the Shaine Griqua Foundation, said that Tawanyane identified as and was living openly as a trans-man/lesbian and it is believed that she may have been the victim of a “corrective rape”.
“We want the Minister of Police to visit Kimberley and assist in the speedy arrest of the suspects as the community does not feel safe,” said Griqua.
He added that “police stations in the Province should be equipped with victim-friendly rooms and GBVF (gender-based violence and femicide) desks”.
Griqua said that a march would be held at the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign between November 25 and December 10.
The chief of staff at the Office of the Minister of Police acknowledged receipt of the letter and promised to revert back.
