It’s been reported that a 24-year-old lesbian mom from Zimbabwe was brutally murdered in Gauteng.
In a statement, FEW (Forum for the Empowerment of Women) said it first heard of the news of Ruth “Nickki” Chigowe’s death on 27 May.
Her unidentified lifeless body was discovered “stoned to death” in Maphanga section, Katlehong, a large township southeast of Johannesburg. It was only on 31 May that the organisation was able to confirm Chigowe’s identity.
A murder case has been opened at the Katlehong North Police station. No arrests have yet been made.
Zaheeda Munyai from Access Chapter 2 told MambaOnline that Chigowe came to South Africa in 2019.
“According to the information I have found from community members, her parents disowned her due to her sexual orientation,” said Munyai. “She then found a job in a tuckshop and started to rent a room at Holomisa.”
Munyai revealed that it’s been claimed that two weeks before she was killed, Chigowe and her girlfriend “received homophobic threats from guys around the area wherein they uttered that they both deserve to be raped and killed.”
To add to the tragedy, Chigowe leaves behind a one-year-old daughter. “There is an urgent need for a massive intervention in Katlehong,” said an exasperated Munyai. “LGBTI people live in fear and they can’t even disclose their relationships in public.”
Continue reading: https://www.mambaonline.com/2022/06/02/young-lesbian-woman-stoned-to-death-in-katlehong/ (source)
Listening to Lesbians 
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for greater protection and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, not only in South Africa but globally. Ruth “Nickki” Chigowe’s brutal murder is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by individuals simply for being true to themselves. It’s heartbreaking that her journey to South Africa, seeking refuge and a better life, ended in such violence and prejudice.
Her story highlights systemic issues of discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, compounded by the lack of safe spaces and support networks. The threats she and her partner endured should never have escalated to such a horrific outcome. There must be swift justice for Ruth and comprehensive efforts to address the underlying intolerance that perpetuates such atrocities.
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