The LGBTQI+ community is still shocked, sad and dismayed at the brutal murder of Clement Hadebe, a queer individual.
A number of people took to social media platforms, including X, to call out homophobic individuals responsible for the gruesome murder which took place in Johannesburg a few days ago.
According to close friends who shared the tragic incident on social media, Hadebe, 29, was originally from Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal. Hadebe had gone out with friends to a popular market, Kwa Mai Mai, known for selling shisa nyama served on wall-drop doors. It is reported that Hadebe, a confident and beautiful individual, was allegedly approached by a man who offered to buy alcoholic beverages for him.
According to a friend who had an interview with ZiMoja, the man and his friends joined their group, offering to buy them drinks. When the man showed interest in Hadebe, the friend advised him to disclose that he was a man.
The friends claimed that Hadebe left with the men who allegedly live in one of the hostels in Johannesburg.
Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said that Cleveland police are investigating a murder docket following an incident which took place in Malvern on August 10.
“Police responded to a shooting incident at Jules and 23th Street, Malvern, when they found the victim lying in a pool of blood, with multiple gunshot wounds.
“Cartridges were found on the scene and the victim was declared deceased at the scene. Motive for the murder is unknown at this stage,” Masondo said.
He advised anyone with information to contact their local police station or use the SAPS Crime Stop number: 08600 10111.
Makhosazana Buthelezi, founder and director of Thato One Big Family LGBTQI+ Society, said they are deeply disturbed and saddened by the news of Hadebe’s brutal murder.
“As an organisation dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalised communities through activism, this horrific incident has left us heartbroken and outraged. Hadebe’s life was stolen in an act of violence fuelled by hatred and intolerance, and the subsequent victim blaming and transphobic rhetoric circulating on social media is simply unacceptable,” said Buthelezi.
“The continued killing of members of the LGBTQIA+ community by homophobic individuals is a stark reminder of the deep-seated prejudices that still exist in our society. These heinous acts are not isolated incidents, but are part of a larger pattern of violence that targets people based on their identity. It is a grave injustice, and we must stand together to condemn such brutality and ensure that the voices of those who have been silenced are heard.”
In response to this tragedy and the ongoing threat to the LGBTQIA+ community, Buthelezi said their organisation has planned a series of awareness programmes aimed at highlighting this plight.
“Through panel discussions and community outreach initiatives, we intend to create spaces for dialogue, education, and healing. One of our upcoming dialogue events will be on August 24, 2024. It is crucial that we foster a society that embraces diversity and stands against bigotry in all its forms.
“Hadebe’s life, like so many others, was valuable, and we will continue to fight for justice and equality in his memory. We call on everyone to join us in this fight, to speak out against hate, and to work towards a world where everyone, regardless of their identity, can live free from fear,” Buthelezi said.
The Star