Chronicle Editor
Obey Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
In a tragic and alarming incident that has sent shockwaves through the small community of Humbana village in Maphisa, Matabeleland South province, Miss Nobuhle Ndlovu, a 23-year-old woman who was recently discovered to be lesbian, was reportedly attacked and allegedly raped.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in conservative areas of Zimbabwe, where societal and familial pressures often lead to violence and discrimination.
According to close friends, Miss Ndlovu’s was caught by her family- who are devout traditionalists- while being intimate with her lesbian partner.
This was not well-received by her family and community, especially her father, who is a known traditionalist and has strong beliefs against the LGBTIQ+ community.
It has been revealed that the father told family members that he believed his daughter had been cursed and there was a need to cleanse her, he even reported her to the police after Nobuhle was caught.
“After she was caught, things just got worse,” a friend disclosed, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of backlash. “Her father reported her to the police, claiming she was engaging in a same-sex affair, and she was arrested, detained at the police station but was eventually released after being harrased by the police officers. It was devastating for her.”
The friend went on to describe the deteriorating situation surrounding Miss Ndlovu, revealing that rising tensions within her family culminated in an assault.
“A group of people targeted her, claiming they wanted to rid her of what they called an evil spirit. It was during this attack that she was allegedly raped,” said the friend, visibly shaken. “Nobuhle is a kind soul; she never deserved any of this.”
Further complicating matters, Miss Ndlovu confided in friends that she feared reporting the attack to the authorities.
“She told us that when she was arrested at the behest of her father, the police showed her no sympathy. They treated her like a criminal,” her friend explained. “She was thus terrified that nothing would be done if she reported the rape and that it would only lead to more trouble, which is why she did not report the case.”
In recent days, Miss Ndlovu has reportedly gone missing, heightening concerns about her safety. Her friends, alarmed by the escalating hostility in their village, fear for her life.
“The community is openly hostile towards her now; they have made it clear that they want to rid the village of her sexuality,” her friend stated. “We’ve been searching for her and calling her phone, but there has been no response. We just want her to be safe.”
As the community grapples with this disturbing incident, activists and human rights organizations are calling for immediate action. They are urging local authorities to investigate the matter seriously and ensure the safety of Miss Ndlovu, along with other vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“This type of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation is unacceptable,” said a spokesperson for a local human rights group. “We must ensure that justice is served and that all individuals can live freely without fear of persecution.”
Online Reporter