Online Reporter
Gwanda Correspondent
A Gwanda family is demanding justice after their daughter, Sharon Sibanda, a local teacher, was brutally assaulted by members of her community and is now fighting for her life in the intensive care unit at Gwanda Provincial Hospital. The attack, which has shocked the community, reportedly stemmed from allegations that Sharon was involved in a lesbian relationship with another woman, Peacebe Nkala.
Nomsa Sibanda, Sharon’s sister, spoke to reporters outside the hospital, expressing frustration at the lack of action by authorities.
“We know the people who attacked my sister. The whole community knows them, but no one seems interested in bringing them to book,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
“It’s as if Sharon’s life doesn’t matter just because of these accusations.”
According to Nomsa, Sharon and Peacebe Nkala were allegedly caught in a compromising position by Nkala’s husband, Mluleki Ndlovu.
The family believes Ndlovu had been tipped off by members of the community, who suspected the two women were in a relationship.
Nkala and Ndlovu have a 14-year-old daughter together, which reportedly intensified the outrage.
“Mluleki was very bitter when he found out,” Nomsa explained.
“But rather than resolve things privately, he and other community members took the law into their own hands. They beat Sharon and Peacebe. Sharon suffered the most and that’s why she’s in ICU right now. We are devastated and angry.”
Witnesses say the attack was carried out in full view of several people, with no intervention from bystanders.
Despite the severity of the violence, there have been no arrests, and the perpetrators continue to walk free.
Human rights activists have condemned the assault, urging police to arrest those responsible and protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation.
“This is a clear case of mob justice and discrimination. The authorities must act swiftly to ensure justice is served,” said one local activist.
The Sibanda family remains at Sharon’s bedside, anxiously awaiting updates on her condition.
“We just want justice for Sharon,” Nomsa pleaded.
“No one deserves to be treated like this, no matter the circumstances.”
Gwanda police could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.
Efforts to get a comment from Peacebe were also fruitless as her whereabouts after the attack are not known.
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu