LGBTQI+ community reels from murder of same-sex couple in KZN

Tragedy struck the community of KwaDambuza in Edendale, KNZ, on Tuesday night when a couple, Nombulelo Bhixa (28) and Minenhle Ngcobo (22), were brutally shot and killed.

The same-sex couple, who worked together at a store in the city centre, were attacked as they headed to board a taxi.

According to one of their neighbours, who asked not to be named, the couple was approached by an unknown man, who shot them following an altercation.

“I believe this person had some sort of relation with one of the deceased because there was an altercation between them that resulted in them getting shot,” says the neighbour.

According to a police report, both women were shot in the head and died at the scene.

Bhixa’s best friend, Bongekile Mkhize, says she wants justice for her friend. She described Bhixa as a people’s person.

“I am hurt about what has happened. What hurts the most is that no one is giving us proper answers as to what happened.”

Mkhize says she and Bhixa had been friends since 2009.

“We met in high school and have been friends ever since. I don’t have much information about their [Bhixa and Ngcobo’s] relationship.

“All I know is that they were very much in love with each other. We are shocked and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy,” says Mkhize.

The community has come together to mourn the loss of the couple and to condemn the violence and hate that led to their tragic deaths. Ward 11 Newtown, Tafuleni, councillor Sanele Zuma says the KwaDambuza community is in shock.

“What has happened is not something that we are taking lightly as a community. It is shocking to us that there are people who still lose their lives just because of their sexual orientation.

“What is more disturbing is that this has happened during Women’s Month,” says Zuma.

Leoni Chamane, the director of the transgender-led human rights organisation Iphimbo Lothingo, says there has been a surge in attacks on people in the LGBTQI+ community.

“The government still does not include members of the LGBTQI+ in statistics about gender-based violence. Awareness programmes are non-existent.

“When reported, they normally face secondary victimisation from law enforcement,” says Chamane.

“Hate crimes have increased in Edendale. This prevents people in the LGBTQI+ community from living their lives as their true selves.”

Police spokesperson Sergeant Sifiso Gwala confirmed that the case is under investigation, but no arrests have been made.

“We are following up on leads and appealing to the community to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation,” Gwala says.

He says the motive for the murders is unknown.