Bujy speak out about his experience behind bars as a gay man
He said this at an event organised by the Diepkloof SAPS and other stakeholders in line with the commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism of no violence against women and children with the focus on LGTBQI.
As we continue commemorating 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children, Diepkloof SAPS in partnership with different organisations including, Masiphephe Network, ActionNow and Sonke Gender Justice held a mass event to create awareness on GBV in Diepkloof.
ALSO READ: Murder accused Flávio Hlabangwane to undergo mental evaluation
The event was also supported by the MEC for community safety Faith Mazibuko, who was also present at the event. This year the focus was on the LGTBQI community.
One of the speakers at the event was Radio and TV personality, Bujy Bikwa, who was recently arrested and charged with assault after an altercation with media personality Boity Thulo where he allegedly threw a glass at her. Bikwa spoke about the abuse he had to endure in the 7 days he spent behind bars.
“Learn to walk away, people will trigger you, there is no need to be violent, I learned the hard way. I spent 7 days in Suncity and it was one of the most traumatic days of my life. We need to be able to manage our tempers,” said Bikwa.
“Let me tell you something, as a gay man, when you get to prison, already you are a target, you already have so many ‘boyfriends’ that you didn’t choose. I want to speak to all the cops who are present here, the level of abuse I have experienced as a gay man who was wrong for attacking a colleague was worse than anything. When I arrived the first thing they said was, ‘what is this? Is this a man or a woman? What do we do with him?’ I was told that they’re going to throw me where anyone can have me whenever they feel like it,” Bikwa said.
” I had to fight for my rights and no other gay person must go through that. I am not saying the justice system should be lenient on me because I am famous, I am saying, let me be treated with respect. And I want to apologize to all women for what I did, I am not an abusive person,” he added.
” I had to fight for other gay people in prison while I was there, as an LGTBQI community we can’t always me made to defend why we are breathing, why we dress the way we do. To the justice system, my plead is that you take care of the LGTBQI community because we are the most vulnerable when it comes to these situations,” said Bikwa.
MEC Mazibuko pleaded with the police to treat everyone equally, whether male, female or LGTBQI community.
” To the cops we’ve heard that some of you don’t take some cases seriously, you laugh at men for reporting abuse, that must come to an end. There’s what is called, victim empowerment centre, when you get to the police station, you have every right to request to be taken to a victim-friendly room, they will take you to that private space where you will be able to talk comfortably. It is your right, your constitutional right,” said Mazibuko.
Diepkloof Police Station’s station commander, Brigadier Makgomo Maake also assured the LGBTQI community that the Diepkloof SAPS is always there to assist them and not judge them. She said they must feel free to go to the police station to report any form of abuse.
Follow Us Here:
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
