Civil Society Demands Urgent Action for LGBTQIA+ Safety

Civil society organisations working within the LGBTQIA+ sector are calling for urgent reforms in the policing and justice system to address the growing crisis of secondary victimisation experienced by LGBTQIA+ survivors of hate crimes, discrimination and abuse.

On Saturday, representatives from Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, the Civil Society Forum (LGBTQIA+ Sector), Sonke Gender Justice, Colour Splash, Conservation South Africa and the Forum for the Empowerment of Women handed over a memorandum to the Officer in Charge at Mhala Police Station.

The memorandum highlights the widespread withdrawal of cases by LGBTQIA+ survivors, which organisations say is caused by insensitive treatment, lack of support and discriminatory conduct from some police officers.

“We cannot ignore the reality that a system meant to protect people is instead re-traumatising them. Survivors are withdrawing cases because they fear secondary victimisation more than the perpetrators themselves,” said Nomalanga Ngwenya, Project Manager for Gender Justice in Mpumalanga.

According to the memorandum, LGBTQIA+ people — particularly women, trans and gender-diverse individuals — face heightened risks of violence, which are worsened when survivors encounter biased questioning, a lack of empathy or inadequate protection from the police.

Caroline Sibuyi, organiser of the LGBTQIA+ Bushbuckridge sector, said the march was not only about visibility but also about demanding dignity.

“I feel happy and very positive about the march because we wanted Bushbuckridge residents and police officers to see that we exist and can stand together as the LGBTIQ+ community. All we need is acceptance and safety in our community. I am glad it was a peaceful march,” she said.

Sibuyi also voiced fears shared by many queer individuals in the area. “The hatred that comes from society… I live in fear that any day it could be me who is raped or murdered. I live my life without harming anyone, yet I fear for my own,” she added.

Organisations warn that many case withdrawals are not voluntary. Survivors often feel coerced or pressured after encountering unsupportive treatment from officers or fearing further victimisation.

“When a survivor walks into a police station and is met with judgement or ridicule, that case is already lost. Trust collapses instantly,” one advocacy representative said during the handover.

Key Issues Raised

The memorandum outlines three pressing concerns:

• Secondary Victimisation: LGBTQIA+ survivors face repeated trauma through insensitive or discriminatory police behaviour.
• Withdrawal of Cases: Fear, intimidation and lack of trust continue to drive high case-withdrawal rates.
• Protection of Survivors: There is an urgent need for stronger, survivor-centred reporting and investigation protocols.

Proposed Actions for Police

To address the crisis, organisations submitted several recommendations:

1. Sensitivity Training for Law Enforcement: To improve understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues and reduce discriminatory behaviour.
2. Creation of Safe Spaces: LGBTQIA+-friendly reporting areas within police stations where survivors can seek help without judgement.
3. Increased Awareness and Outreach: Encouraging survivors to report cases by educating them on their rights and available support.
4. Support Throughout the Legal Process: Ensuring survivors have access to mental-health support, legal assistance and physical protection.
5. Stronger Collaboration With Advocacy Groups: Working with LGBTQIA+ organisations to monitor cases and uphold survivors’ rights.

In the conclusion of the memorandum, Ngwenya emphasised the moral responsibility of law enforcement agencies. “This is not only a legal responsibility — it is a moral imperative. We are talking about protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our society,” she said.

“We look forward to working together for a more inclusive and equitable future where justice is accessible to all, regardless of gender or sexual identity.”

Receiving the memorandum, Lieutenant-Colonel Brian Mnisi, Station Commander at Mhala SAPS, assured marchers that their concerns would be taken seriously.

“We understand your frustrations and challenges as highlighted in this memorandum, and we will forward it to the district so that it reaches the provincial office. The SAPS must take immediate action to create a safer environment for all and ensure your voices are heard,” Mnisi said.

“As police, we work collectively to address every challenge faced by our communities.”

The organisations urged the police to act swiftly and committed to ongoing engagement to ensure meaningful change for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Mpumalanga and beyond.