Another queer man has been murdered in what appears to be a hate crime.
The month of June is extra special for Cape Town’s LGBT+ community, as it’s a time to celebrate queerness and recognise the impact that this incredible community has had on the world. Unfortunately, this month has been marred with headlines of queerphobic incidents, in particular, hate crimes that have resulted in the murder.
One such alleged incident is that of Sam Mbatha, a young black man from the North West. While the official details surrounding his death have not yet been released, it is believed that he was put in the boot of a car which was then set alight.
Many took to Twitter to give their condolences and share their outrage. The #JusticeForSam started trending earlier on Saturday.
The family is yet to release a statement regarding the incident.
I am ANGRY!! My friend Sam Mbatha was murdered yesterday, they put him in the boot of his car and burnt him to death bc he was gay ?? #SAPS will not sweep this underneath the rug!! WE DEMAND for #JusticeForSam ? ?? Enough is enough! #QueerLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/Ic8V5l5xqd
— ??$. ???$ (@phineasandfeb) June 18, 2021
You mean #SamMbatha was allegedly killed just for choosing who he slept with? This is barbaric. @SAPoliceService must arrest someone. pic.twitter.com/3xJd5cd8O6
— #TakeAStand #BlackLivesMatter ?? (@SthembisoMkhize) June 19, 2021
Wait a minute, I haven’t been following, Sam Mbatha was burnt in car because of his sexuality? Wasn’t there story of someone else being killed this week (that we know of) because of their sexuality before Sam?
— Thina (@Thinasonke) June 19, 2021
This is a developing story.
Picture: Twitter
Read Also: Gay man murdered in alleged hate crime in Nyanga