The Sunday News
Melinda Ncube, Sunday News Reporter
THE tranquillity of Tshabalala suburb in Bulawayo was shattered when Hlengiwe Ncube’s life took a tumultuous turn, culminating in a harrowing series of events that have left her traumatised.
The unfolding saga began with the revelation of Ncube’s complex journey as a bisexual woman caught red-handed with her partner, Joanna Moyo, at her residence in the suburb.
Ncube, who openly embraced her sexuality despite societal stigma and her family’s devout Christian beliefs, found herself entangled in a web of traditional expectations when she was traditionally wedded to Mpumelelo Bhebhe.
Miraculously, Mpumelelo accepted and understood Ncube’s sexual orientation, and together, they harboured this secret from their families and the community.
Tragically, Mpumelelo’s untimely demise marked the onset of a downward spiral in Ncube’s life. As grief enveloped her, her world was further shattered by the unwelcome advances of Mpumelelo’s brother, Patrick Bhebhe, who emerged as a relentless suitor determined to fulfill the family’s customs by claiming her hand in marriage.
A distressed relative, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed the distressing details of Ncube’s tumultuous experiences, recounting how Patrick’s persistence escalated into coercion as he asserted his purported entitlement to Ncube’s hand in matrimony.
Despite Ncube’s steadfast resistance to this forced union, Patrick’s unwavering pursuit led her to seek solace and companionship in an alleged lesbian relationship with Moyo.
The relative further disclosed the chilling climax when Patrick, fueled by resentment and fury, discovered Ncube and Moyo engaged in an intimate moment.
“Catching the two intimate incited a violent outburst from Patrick, who reportedly subjected Ncube to physical assault and reprehensible acts of sexual abuse, leaving her emotionally scarred and physically injured.
“Patrick’s actions triggered a community uproar, as enraged residents rallied against Ncube and Moyo, accusing them of defying societal norms and engaging in taboo practices within their midst, in the process, Ncube was gang raped by these people. The escalating hostility culminated in a disturbing demonstration outside Ncube’s residence, where enraged individuals hurled stones, denouncing her presence in the neighborhood and calling for police intervention,” said the relative.
The relative further revealed that while Ncube managed to get medical treatment after the attack, she remained traumatised and had since gone into hiding, fearing for her safety.
“Fearing for her safety and overwhelmed by the virulent backlash, Ncube has since gone into hiding, evading further persecution and safeguarding herself from imminent threats,” said the relative.
Her poignant narrative serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals grappling with societal prejudices, familial expectations, and the inherent risks of being true to oneself in a world rife with discrimination and intolerance.
