Intimate partner violence in LGBTIQ+ relationships in the country is reportedly increasing, but many cases still go unreported because of the stigma.
The Access Chapter 22 movement, representing members of this community says one of the barriers is that the complainants are not taken seriously by the police when reporting such cases.
The movement protested at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court in support of Mbulelo Matolwane who was allegedly killed by his partner a week ago. The suspect briefly appeared in court.
They’re demanding justice for Matolwane who died tragically, allegedly at the hands of his partner, Jackie Mothiba.
He was stabbed in the neck at their residence in Arcadia a week ago and succumbed to his injuries after Mothiba took him to hospital. The two had reportedly been in a toxic relationship for a long time.
Access Chapter 22 Movement, Mpho Buntse says, “They’ve been in a toxic relationship and efforts to report the perpetrator proved futile as he was using power and control.”
The movement has decried what it calls, the poor acknowledgment of violent behaviour within the LGBTIQ community.
“The crimes are not given priority unless one talks about a GVB-related case. Incidents of this kind are rife within this community but they’re not given the limelight,” Buntse adds.
Mothiba, who is believed to be a Tshwane Metro police official, remains in custody until his next court appearance.
