Horror of LGBT teen strangled to death in Potchefstroom
Lesley Makousa
A 17-year-old LGBT school pupil, Lesley Makousa, has been murdered in Potchefstroom.
Makousa’s body was discovered by a passerby in an isolated area of the Promosa Township on Saturday.
It appeared that he had been strangled to death with a shoelace. Adding to the horrific scene, the body of an unborn baby was also found in a plastic bag near him.
Constable Trom from the Ikageng SAPS told Mambaonline that police believe that the foetus was unrelated to Makousa’s murder.
“There are two separate incidents. It’s just unfortunate that his body was dumped there or he was killed there,” she said.
The motive for the killing remains unknown and it is unclear if Makousa’s sexuality or gender identity played a role in his murder.
Trom said that there are no suspects at this point and that it does “not appear to be a hate crime for now”.
Thabiso Mogapi wa Tsotetsi, Chairperson of Action For Social Justice International, told Mambaonline that Makousa, a learner at the Promosa Secondary School, was openly LGBT.
Tsotetsi said that hate-based crimes against LGBT people were unusual in the area and in Makousa’s community, calling Potchefstroom “an LGBTI hub”.
The most recent deadly LGBT attack in Potchefstroom was the November 2015 murder of music student Bobby Motlatla. He was stabbed 39 times in his flat. That killing remains unsolved.
A memorial service for Makousa will be held at the Promosa Secondary School on Thursday at 12pm.
If anyone has any information about his murder, please contact Constable Trom on 082 374 0271.
Bizarrely, the teen’s killing comes almost exactly two years after the murder of a lesbian woman, Gift Disebo Makau, in Ventersdorp, in the North West province, who was also strangled with a shoelace.
Her killer, Stoffel Pule Motlhokwane, was sentenced to life in prison for her rape, murder and robbery.
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that’s really sad and traumatizing,I wish we as the LGTBI can find a solution for this brutal killings,my suggestion is let’s stop traveling alone especially at night and in strange places
as a person who knew Les personally, what happened to him is really sad. Potchefstroom is not really a dangerous place, but certain people tend to make it that way. It’s about time we stand against this attacks. my heartfelt condolences to his family,friends and everyone who knew him. Thabiso Mogapi-tsotetsi wish I was there to help you, but knowing you, you will pull through.
This is a real disgrace that even in institution of learning, where we educate and encourage social justice, but such still happens. As a teacher myself I am ashamed. I do however feel that we ourselves, as educators have a huge impact in perpertuating such behaviour amongst kid themselves. On this very day, at my very own school the DP uttered violent-instigating statements against the LGBTIQ…and I personally took the matter to the principal whilst everyone was present but no one dared to say a word. Further more, people saw nothing wrong with such act.
This must stop!! What society are building!!
disgusting! PCH is definately not safe anymore!! these hate crimes must stop!!!