The community of Site C in Khayelitsha, Western Cape, is reeling with anger and grief following the violent murder of 16-year-old Kwakhanya “Ntlanganiso” Mhlanganisi. Residents have taken to the streets and the courts to demand swift justice, insisting that the teen’s killing must not be overlooked nor misrepresented.
Mhlanganisi’s body was discovered in Site C with severe injuries after what is believed to have been a brutal and relentless attack. The teenager, described by family members as cheerful and well-loved, suffered fatal wounds that have left the community shaken.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the attack occurred on Thursday, 4 December 2025. Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed that Mhlanganisi had been involved in an altercation with two acquaintances shortly before his death. The confrontation escalated, resulting in the 16-year-old being assaulted. He later succumbed to his injuries.
A 17-year-old suspect was arrested and appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 8 December 2025. Police are actively searching for a second suspect believed to have been involved in the fatal assault. Colonel Traut added that SAPS is still working to determine the exact motive behind the killing.
While the investigation is ongoing, community members and activists gathered outside the court on the same day, calling for justice and expressing outrage over the nature of the attack. Some residents have alleged that the assault was driven by homophobia, a claim that has intensified public outrage. Members of the Khulani Khayelitsha Queer Hub, including activist Sibusiso Orestes Nqunqeka, said that Mhlanganisi was not only severely beaten but reportedly set alight before he died. He claimed the attack bore the hallmarks of a hate crime.
Nqunqeka told reporters that the community is devastated and fears that the teenager’s alleged targeting might be linked to discrimination. He said residents are demanding that the justice system impose a harsh sentence on the accused to send a strong message against hate-motivated violence.
However, SAPS has urged caution regarding conclusions about the motive. Colonel Traut expressed concern about ongoing media reports framing the incident as a homophobic attack despite police having stated that no motive had been confirmed. He emphasised the importance of accuracy to prevent further distress within a community already plagued by high levels of violent crime. Traut noted that the motive will be officially established as investigations continue.
Mhlanganisi’s aunt, Nontombi Mthegeni, recalled him as a friendly boy with many friends. She said the attack began when a group of boys mocked him with homophobic slurs and allegedly attempted to rob him of his drinks. Though the teen initially managed to escape, the group reportedly pursued him, cornering him in a passage where they assaulted him with bricks and stones.
The tragedy has sparked broader conversations about youth violence, hate crimes, and community safety in Khayelitsha. Similar cases have occurred in other parts of the country, raising concerns about rising violence among minors.
As Mhlanganisi’s family mourns their loss, the community continues to rally for justice, hoping that his death will lead to action against the violence and discrimination affecting many young South Africans.
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