Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
The family of Sibongumusa Ndlovu, a young woman from Mambale Village in Plumtree, Matabeleland South Province, is deeply concerned following her mysterious disappearance. Relatives revealed that they had recently discovered that Sibongumusa had been in a relationship with Chantel Ndlovu, the daughter of the village head, Qeda Ndlovu.
A family member recounted the shocking events that transpired when the village head summoned the family to his homestead.
“He showed us pictures of Sibongumusa and Chantel in compromising positions, kissing each other,” the relative said.
“It was a shock for us, and the village head accused Sibongumusa of knowing where Chantel was after she ran away when her father confronted her about their relationship.”
During the meeting, tensions escalated as the village head allegedly threatened Sibongumusa with violence for dating with girls as it is disgusting taboo in the country.
“This was then when Sibongumusa’s parents also turned on her as they accused her of soiling the family’s name, for us as relative’s there was nothing much we could do,” said the relative.
Following this confrontation, in fear for her life, Sibongumusa reportedly fled the village after stealing her parent’s money, and sought refuge with her grandmother, but subsequently disappeared to an unknown location.
The situation has become even more alarming for the family after the tragic news that Chantel’s body was recently found, having taken her own life by hanging.
“Now we are even more worried about Sibongumusa’s safety,” the relative expressed, her voice trembling with concern.
“The village head has been heard threatening that he won’t rest until he finds her. We fear for her life.”
As the family searches for answers and seeks to locate Sibongumusa, the community remains on edge, grappling with the implications of these events and the growing concerns for the safety of those in the LGBTIQ+ community in an environment fraught with hostility.
The family is calling for support and intervention to ensure Sibongumusa’s safety and to address the troubling circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
