As millions around the globe marked International Women’s Day on Tuesday 8 March, outraged members of Free Gender picketed outside Khayelitsha Police Station, in Site B, calling for drastic actions against those involved in the killing of Phelokazi Mqatanya.
Mqatanya was allegedly “murdered in cold blood” in Site C in the early hours on Sunday 2 May last year.
Her killing was described as a homophobic attack, which left many distraught (“Another grisly murder” City Vision, 6 May 2021).
Following the murder, a suspect was arrested. The man allegedly stabbed her in the chest, after she rejected his sexual advances.
According to march organisers, the accused appeared in court four times before the case was provisionally withdrawn in December last year.
Now, Free Gender – a non profit organisation (NPO) that is home for black non heterosexual women – supported by different groupings are calling for the head of the investigating officer (IO) in the case and a new experienced officer be appointed immediately.
They are demanding that the case proceed before Thursday 7 April.
The activists are also calling for heads to roll at the station, blaming some of the officers of failing their mandate.
They also demanded that the 2014 findings and recommendations of Justice Kate O’Regan and Advocate Vusi Pikoli SC in the commission of inquiry into Khayelitsha police be implemented and where necessary amended.
The free spirited group sang while carrying their placards with different messages.
They also called for President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Police Bheki Cele, Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola and Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Nkoana Maite-Mashabane to attend a hearing led by Free Gender to explain what can and cannot be done by the government.
They also urged the president and some government ministers to visit the Mqatanya family and apologise for the “injustices” endured by the family.
Free Gender secretary Nikita Busika claimed the docket in this case had never been to court despite requests from the magistrate and prosecutor.
“We have had enough. We are angry,” said Busika, accusing some officers of “gross negligence, incompetence or possibly corruption”.
Busika alleged that a prominent police officer obstructed justice.
Lt Col Soyiso Mantyi accepted the memorandum.
“I want to thank the residents for bringing this to our attention in such a peaceful manner. I am going to forward it to management of the station for answers,” he said.
