Nombulelo Bhixa, 28, and Minenhle Ngcobo, 22 – a young lesbian couple – have been murdered in South Africa, allegedly by the former male partner of one of the victims.
According to media reports, on 27 August, the women were approached by Ngcobo’s ex-boyfriend before an argument ensued, during which the man allegedly shot both women in the head.
Newzroom Africa suggested that the motive behind the murder was the ex-boyfriend’s inability to accept that his ex was romantically involved with a woman.
It is believed that the man, with whom Ngcobo shared a child, had been harassing the couple for some time. Ngcobo had previously filed a protection order against the suspect.
Local LGBTQ+ group Uthingo Network condemned the murder as a stark and heartbreaking reminder of the deep-seated homophobia and violence that continue to plague South African society.
“This heinous act, motivated by hatred and prejudice, is not just an attack on two individuals but a brutal assault on the principles of equality, dignity, and human rights that our South African democracy stands for,” Uthingo Network director Brian Sibeko-Ngidi said.
“The systematic lack of awareness and understanding in these communities contributes to an environment where such hate crimes can occur frequently and with little consequence.”
The organisation went on to say that this “tragedy calls for urgent and comprehensive action at all levels”.
They called for enforcement of hate crime laws, training for police officers and education programmes.
Leoni Chamane, director of trans-led organisation Iphimbo Lothingo (Ilora), added that the murders were also a form of gender-based violence.
“The government still does not include members of the LGBTQ+ in statistics about gender-based violence. Awareness programmes are non-existent,” Chamane said.
“When reported, they normally face secondary victimisation from law enforcement.”
Bhixa’s close friend Bongekile Mkhize spoke to The Witness, saying the community was “shocked and heartbroken” by the “senseless tragedy”.
“All I know is that they were very much in love with each other.”
A police spokesperson confirmed that the case is under investigation, but no arrests have been made.