Award-winning transgender activist, artist, and influencer Yaya Mavundla recently got attacked, during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.

ASSAULTED

Yaya says it was security guards of where she lives battered her. "The security guards attacked me at my place of residence in Houghton. I called the police to come and get me so that I could open a case at the police station. When they arrived, they asked to speak to the perpetrator," she says. "I showed them where he was. After speaking to him, they came back to me to say, they would have to sort things out but not in the legal way... but verbally."

ARRESTED

When Yaya refused and wanted to lay charges. they arrested her and she was taken to Norwood Police Station. "They said I also assaulted him. I asked how, as I had visible scars showing that I was beaten. I was unfortunately arrested with him," she says. "At the police station, I received the highest level of misgendering, abuse, homophobia and everything hateful you can think of. I will never forget it."

SCARED

Yaya says the experience showed how many victims never speak up due to fear of intimidation. "They are scared of what I experienced," Yaya says. She is currently fearful for her life. "I don't know what could have happened to me. When I requested to get medical attention, at the prison holding cells, they refused," she says. "My scars bled until they were dry," she says. "I received more hate, transphobia and misgendering when I got to court," Yaya says. Police were not available to comment on the matter.