Yaya Mavundle Opens Up About a Recent Trauma “I Had Visible Scars”

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

Yaya recounts that security guards at her residence in Houghton assaulted 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 explains. “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.”

Despite Yaya’s desire to press charges, the situation took a dark turn. Refusing their alternative resolution, Yaya was arrested and 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 reveals. “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.”

Yaya emphasizes how this experience highlights the fear many victims face, preventing them from speaking up due to intimidation. “They are scared of what I experienced,” Yaya notes, expressing her current fear for her life. “I don’t know what could have happened to me. When I requested medical attention at the prison holding cells, they refused,” she discloses. “My scars bled until they were dry.”

Yaya further shares the additional hate, transphobia, and misgendering she encountered when she reached the court, and police were not available for comment on the matter.