Well-known and respected dancer and choreographer Kirvan Fortuin died this morning [June 13] after being stabbed. A 14-year-old girl has been arrested in connection with the murder.
“Macassar police are investigating the incident which occurred in the early hours of this morning. A 28-year-old was stabbed and died on the way to hospital,” SAPS Western Cape spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana confirmed. “A 14-year-old girl was arrested and is being processed according to Child Justice Act.”
Fortuin was the founder and artistic director of the Kirvan Fortuin Foundation. For the past few years Fortuin resided between South Africa and the Netherlands, and danced for a Dutch dance company.
Fortuin was also a dedicated LGBTQI+ activist, and founded House of Le Cap, South Africa’s first ballroom house.
Kirvan Fortuin was a decorated dancer and even received a Ministerial recommendation at the Western Cape Cultural Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Preservation and Promotion of an Indigenous Art form.
“Kirvan was a true testament to how hard work and talent could open many paths to success. Fortuin was a rising star in South Africa, who had a promising road ahead of him. Sadly, we have been robbed of the opportunity to celebrate any future successes but we honour the amazing life of this young person,” Western Cape cultural affairs MEC Anroux Marais said in a statement.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Kirvan’s family and friends and especially to those in the Arts and Culture spheres who walked this path with Kirvan. The Western Cape has lost a true inspiration in Kirvan but we will continue to celebrate his legacy for many years to come.”
Tributes have been pouring in via social media ever since the news of Fortuin’s death broke.
“I have been judged, criticised, mocked, sabotaged, bullied and even received death threats for being who I am and the work that I do.”
— Kirvan Fortuin ?#RIPKirvanFortuin pic.twitter.com/5yhKaiCds1
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) June 13, 2020
#RIPKirvanFortuin Iconic mother of the House of Le Cap, pioneer for the South African ballroom scene and LGBTQIA+ activist.
My heart is heavy, an inspiration to many, always pushing me to walk balls even though I had no experience/ self doubt.
Justice will be served pic.twitter.com/beYmmNIv84
— SAG ???? ?️?✊?✊?✊? (@notyourtopyet) June 13, 2020
#RIPKirvanFortuin A fearless Queern has fallen… A brave soul, A pioneer, a talented choreographer and a fierce LGBTQ+ Activist ?️?.
Was stabbed to death. … We are still far from being accepted for who we are, A LUTA CONTINUA!!! ? pic.twitter.com/1SiwG607YO
— Roman_M ? (@TheRealRoman_M) June 13, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_NErl-nRrp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Picture: Jacki Bruinquel/ Instagram/ Kirvan le Cap