Trio Of all Cape Town Magistrates Court on Friday, facing serious charges related to a series of targeted attacks on gay men. The suspects, accused of using the dating app Grindr to lure victims under false pretenses, have been in custody for nearly a year.
The accused—Mlungisi Mbutu, Bo,Wings—with kidnapping and extortion case stakes
The trio, originally from Soweto in Gauteng, allegedly created fake profiles on Grindr—a dating app widely used by the LGBTQ+ community. Once victims were lured into agreeing to meet, they were allegedly kidnapped, assaulted, and held for ransom. According to police sources, in some cases, the victims were forced to transfer money directly to their captors or were held hostage while their families were contacted for payment.
Law enforcement officials say the group used calculated methods to select their targets and set up meetings in seemingly safe areas before turning the encounters into criminal ambushes.
Trio From Gauteng Allegedly Targeted Gay Men Using Grindr
The group has been linked to multiple cases involving similar patterns across Cape Town and possibly beyond. According to investigators, electronic evidence and victim testimonies have tied them to at least five reported cases, with more victims possibly yet to come forward.
During Friday’s court appearance, the State was expected to confirm whether additional charges—including money laundering—would be brought against the trio. Prosecutors had previously postponed the case in April to allow time for further investigation and digital evidence analysis.
Trio- If the money laundering charges are added, they could significantly increase the severity of the case and lead to lengthier prison sentences if the accused are found guilty.
The State believes that money gained through extortion was laundered through various cash transactions and digital payment platforms, making it harder to trace. Investigators are now working with financial intelligence units to track and analyze suspicious transactions connected to the accused.
The case has sent shockwaves through Cape Town’s LGBT community, where concerns over safety, especially when using dating apps, have grown. Some victims who survived the alleged attacks have spoken out anonymously, sharing traumatic experiences and calling for stronger protections and awareness campaigns.
One victim described being abducted after agreeing to meet someone from Grindr, only to be attacked and robbed at knifepoint.
“They told me if I didn’t send money, I would never leave alive. I was terrified. It wasn’t just a robbery—it was a hate crime,” he said.
Civil rights organizations, including LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, have condemned the targeting of gay men and have called on the justice system to pursue the case with urgency and sensitivity. They are also urging dating platforms to improve safety features and partner with law enforcement to prevent similar crimes.
The high-profile case involving the trio has sparked public outrage and renewed debate over the rise in digital-facilitated crimes, particularly those targeting vulnerable communities. Legal experts say this case highlights the urgent need for better regulations and public education regarding the dangers of online interactions with strangers.
There are growing calls for dating apps to strengthen identity verification processes and implement real-time safety alerts for users engaging in in-person meetups. In South Africa, incidents like this also bring attention to the lack of effective hate crime legislation and the underreporting of LGBTQ+-related offenses.
For now, Mbutu, Zulu, and Ngwenya will remain behind bars while the State continues building its case. The Cape Town Magistrates Court will reconvene soon to determine the official charges and decide on trial proceedings.
Legal analysts expect that, depending on the strength of the financial and digital evidence, the trio could face decades behind bars if convicted on all counts.
Police are urging anyone who may have been approached or victimized by the suspects to come forward, stressing that all reports will be handled with confidentiality and care.
As the judicial process moves forward, the hope among victims and advocacy groups is that this trio will be held accountable not just for the pain they’ve allegedly caused, but also as a deterrent to others who may be using digital platforms to prey on the vulnerable.
This case stands as a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking online—and the power of justice when survivors speak up and communities demand accountability.
Source- EWN
