LGBTI music student stabbed to death in Potch
Bobby Motlatla (Pic: Facebook)
A talented young LGBTI life has been cut short in a brutal murder in Potchefstroom.
The decomposing body of 35-year-old music student Bobby Motlatla was discovered in his flat last week, Tuesday. He had been stabbed on his bed multiple times.
Motlatla was a promising third year music student at North West University (NWU), specialising in singing. He had just passed his final exam and was planning to do his honours next year.
“Music was his life. He was so kind, loving and always smiling and easy to forgive,” Motlatla’s grieving sister, Lerato Mohlokoane, told Netwerk 24.
“He was my brother and my sister. We did everything together. He lived for music – gospel, opera and classical. He dreamed of giving music lessons,” she added.
NWU lecturer Antoinette Olivier told the newspaper that the murder had left the campus in shock. “It’s an absolute tragedy. He performed well academically, was dedicated, worked hard and walked the extra mile.”
In a statement, the NWU School of Music & Conservatory said: “Bobby was the epitome of kindness, a gentle soul who was extremely well loved by his peers and lecturers. His work ethic and diligence made him progress quickly from the Diploma to the B.A (Music and Society) program. He was polite, caring and a true testimony of his upbringing. Words cannot begin to describe how sorely Bobby will be missed. May your smile which brightened up the Conserve continue to brighten up the heavens. RIP Bobby.”
Police are investigating a case of murder but it is not yet known if the attack is an anti-LGBTI motivated hate crime.
Activist Thabiso Mogapi Oa Tsotetsi wrote on Facebook that he had struggled to obtain information about the killing.
“How does such cruel incident happen and everyone just goes mum about it especially LGBTI members within Tlokwe whom some even made him their display/profile pic, this is so unacceptable, those with the information please come forth so that we can get involved together with other partner organisations on LGBTI human rights,” he commented.
Motlatla is survived by his mother, and four siblings. Below is a tribute to him and his now snuffed-out talent.
- Facebook Messenger
- Total288
K9 LGBTI PRESS RELEASE ON THE BRUTAL KILLING OF A BOBBY MOTLATLA IN POTCHEFSTROOM
It is with great sadness and disgust that as the Gay and Lesbian community of Kanana learnt of the brutal act of homophobia that took place last week Tuesday. We are of a view that those who committed this horrendous crime should be found and convicted at the highest possible might of the law. The Constitution of South Africa remains to be a progressive document that advocates for a free society where the LGBTI are free to express their sexuality and as such we call on the community Tlokwe and the surroundings to uphold these democratic principles enshrined in this constitution by helping law enforcement with known information. We stand against those who promote hate against sexual minorities and as the organisation we take it upon ourselves to protect all LGBTI individuals.
We send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Bobby Motlatla, the LGBTI community of Tlokwe and the university of North West (Pukke) for this great loss where a promising life was cut short. We remain behind the law enforcement in full attempt of apprehending an individual/those who took the life of our brother. The struggle continues to transform the North West province into an environment that promotes and protects the human rights of all LGBTI persons. We call on everyone who might have information relating to the killing of Motlatla to come forward…
#AlutaContinua #RIPBobby #Justice4Motltla
Statement released by: Mpho Buntse, Chairperson (Kanana LGBTI Organisation)