Lesbian Teen Brutally Assaulted in Suspected Hate Crime in Joburg’s East Rand

A 14-year-old lesbian teenager was viciously attacked by two boys in broad daylight while a community member filmed the humiliating and painful suspected hate crime, seemingly without intervening.

According to activists, the masculine-presenting Grade 9 learner was walking home with her girlfriend on 20 January in Mayfield, Daveyton, on Johannesburg’s East Rand.

She was approached by two 15-year-old boys who reportedly took offence at her identity and launched a violent attack, taking turns repeatedly hitting, slapping and kicking her.

The suspected hate crime assault was partially captured on video, showing the victim cowering as she was beaten. East Rand activists only became aware of the incident when the footage was widely shared on social media.

Lack of Remorse and Compassion

The two boys were arrested on 24 January and appeared in the Daveyton Magistrate’s Court on 29 January. Activists who attended the court hearing alleged that the suspects’ friends and families trivialised the case.

“They made a joke of the whole case and the remarks being said—they did not show compassion,” said an activist. The boys are set to appear in court again on 4 February.

Thabsie Mabezane, Media and Programmes Manager at the Lebo Basadi Foundation, a feminist-led organisation advocating for queer rights, condemned the attack. “We are deeply saddened and outraged by this horrific act of violence,” said Mabezane.

She revealed that the survivor sought medical attention and has been left with painful bruising and deep distress. “Her mental well-being isn’t in a good state right now. She’s fearful and dealing with trauma,” she added.

Activists from the Ekurhuleni SA Queer Movement are working to secure mental health support for the teenager.

Hate Crimes a Reflection of Entrenched Queerphobia

Mabezane believes the attack reflects the unchecked bullying faced by adolescents who challenge traditional gender norms.

“Homophobia and gender normative views are taught and entrenched at home, and this results in hate and violence against our young people,” she said, stressing the need to address ingrained homophobia in communities.

Mabezane further asserted that many cases of queerphobic violence and hate speech go unreported in the East Rand and that some communities remain uninformed about LGBTIQ+ individuals.

“There is no awareness. I know this from experience—I went through a lot before I became an activist. We must challenge this ignorance and hate in our communities. We must all work together to build a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect,” she said.