Kimberley LGBTIQ+ Community Shaken by Murder of Gay Man

The LGBTIQ+ community in Kimberley has been shocked by the suspected murder of 50-year-old Lazarus Ikaneng Thomas, affectionately known as “Pankie.”

His body, wrapped in blankets, was discovered in his shack in Galeshewe township on Saturday, 7 September, after neighbours noticed a foul odour.

According to the organisation D’Gayle Diamonds, the shack was locked from the outside, and there were indications that he may have been strangled.

The Northern Cape Department of Social Development reported that Thomas was last seen alive two weeks before his body was found.

Social Development MEC Nontobeko Vilakazi visited the bereaved family and called on the community “to respect every human being and value human life, irrespective of a person’s social standing, religious views, or sexual orientation.”

D’Gayle Diamonds, however, raised concerns about the police investigation, alleging that essential evidence was not collected at the scene.

It claimed that fingerprints were not taken, and a crucial piece of evidence — a severed hand belonging to Thomas — was only collected two days after the body was found. It was also alleged that the crime scene remained open and accessible.

“The family of the deceased has expressed their frustration and anger towards the police, citing a complete lack of communication and support,” said Apostle Shaine Griqua of D’Gayle Diamonds in a statement.

“They were left to navigate the aftermath of this tragedy without any engagement from law enforcement. This neglect has compounded their grief as they seek answers about the circumstances of Pankie’s death.”

Adding to the distress, a neighbour recorded a video of Thomas while he was still alive, in which he was heard calling for help.

This video was posted on social media the day after his body was discovered, raising further questions about the timeline and the response to his distress.

“The community stands united in calling for justice for Pankie,” said Griqua. “We urge the police to take immediate and decisive action to address these serious concerns. It is imperative that law enforcement conducts a comprehensive investigation into this case to ensure accountability for this heinous act.”