His body was only discovered days later on his bed. He had been stabbed 39 times in the chest and back and a number of personal items had been stolen. There was no sign of forced entry.
Motlatla was a talented third year music student at North West University (NWU), specialising in singing. He had just passed his final exam and was planning to do his honours next year. He is survived by his mother and four siblings.
“Bobby and his devastated family did not deserve this cruelty. Now, we need the community’s help in making sure his killer or killers are brought to justice,” commented Love Not Hate’s Lerato Phalakatshela.
“It’s vital that we don’t only rely on the authorities, but that we also step forward and fight back against violence and hatred towards members of the community. We need to stand up for our own,” he said.
The Love Not Hate campaign is urging members of the LGBTI community in and around Potchefstroom who may have information about Motlatla’s final hours or the murder to come forward.
If anyone can assist, please call Phalakatshela on 012 430 3272 or e-mail speakout@lovenothate.org.za.
The Love Not Hate campaign is a nation-wide multi-partner initiative addressing violence against LGBTI people. It provides a coordinated response to hate crimes, including assisting LGBTI victims to report incidents of violence and to navigate the justice system, as well as tracking hate crime cases.
For more information, please visit www.lovenothate.org.za.