Online Reporter
Dumisani Nsingo, Senior Reporter
In a shocking turn of events, Egifa Zidya, the younger sister of prominent Zanu-PF member and businessman, Tavengwa Zidya, has found herself at the centre of a controversy that has shattered family ties and raised concerns for her safety.
Egifa, who Nketa residents have said to be lesbian, was recently caught in a compromising situation with her girlfriend, Moreblessing Mpofu, prompting a violent reaction from their community.
Eyewitnesses report that the couple was discovered together in a private setting, leading to outrage among local residents. Sources suggest that Tavengwa Zidya, played a pivotal role in exposing his sister’s relationship.
“He felt it was his duty to protect the family’s reputation,” a relative disclosed, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “But instead of helping her, he sold her out to the community, and things spiraled from there.”
The revelation of Egifa’s relationship has been met with fierce resistance from her family, particularly from Tawenga, who reportedly disapproves of her sexual orientation.
Following the incident, Egifa was subjected to a brutal attack, which left her with significant burns and injuries. “What happened to her was inhumane,” the relative added. “She is a victim of violence simply for loving someone. We are terrified for her safety.”
Moreblessing was also brutally attacked and both have since disappeared with relatives and friends fearing for the worst as their mobile phones are reportedly not going through.
“These people who attacked them vowed that they would not rest until they rid them of what they termed an evil act, now with their sudden disappearance we are not even sure whether they are alive or not.
“On the day they were attacked Egifa’s five-year-old daughter witnessed the attack and you can imagine the trauma she endured just by watching her own mother being attacked like that. Now the daughter has also disappeared alongside her mother, which is very much worrying,” said the relative.
The relative further noted that for Egifa it was even more painful as she was being targeted by her own brother.
“She has been completely cut off from her family and is now living in fear,” the relative explained. “We don’t know where she is, and we are deeply worried. This shouldn’t happen to anyone, let alone a young woman seeking to love freely.”
The incident has sparked discussions within the community about LGBTQ+ rights and the challenges faced by individuals who do not conform to traditional norms. Activists argue that incidents like this underscore the urgent need for greater acceptance and protection for marginalized groups.
As the search for Egifa and Moreblessing continues, her family remains divided. Tavengwa’s political aspirations now hang in the balance as the community grapples with the implications of this family scandal. “The real tragedy here is that we have lost a sister, a daughter, and a friend,” the relative lamented.
As of now, Egifa’s whereabouts remain unknown, and her loved ones plead for understanding and support during this tumultuous time.
