02/19/2026
Bulawayo Man Living in Fear After Threats Over Sexuality
A 21-year-old Bulawayo man is reportedly living in fear after facing threats and hostility from his community over his sexuality.
In an emotional account to this publication, Samkelinala Msimanga described how life has become a nightmare after neighbours, relatives, and members of the Nkulumane community discovered his same-sex relationship with his now deceased partner.
“I have been targeted for what people here claim was an illicit affair between me and my partner, who is now late. He was reportedly killed on 7 October 2025, in what initially appeared to be a robbery but later seemed to be a premeditated murder.
“Following the incident, relatives and some people in the community have openly threatened me, saying I must repent or I will meet the same fate as my partner,” Samkelinala said.
He added that he deactivated his social media accounts after cyberbullying from both known and anonymous individuals began taking a toll on him.
At home, tensions also escalated. His stepfather reportedly opposed his sexuality, while his mother stood by him — a situation that ultimately led to the breakdown of their marriage.
“My stepfather became hostile towards me because of my sexuality. The fact that my mother supported me caused serious conflict between them,” he added.
He says his step-father who already was abusive was incensed that at one time he beat up both of them and they had to seek refuge at her mom's friend in Emgamwini.
Speaking to this publication, his mother, Nozipho, confirmed the hostility her son is facing and said her decision to support him has led to her own ostracism.
“My son has received numerous threats, including threats of physical harm, often over trivial issues. In the community where we live, being gay is seen as an abomination. Supporting my son has not been well received, including by my former husband and close relatives, who have cut ties with me,” she said.
She claims her ex-husband,Andrew Ndlovu, who is a Zanu PF member and is friends with state intelligence operatives vowed to make them 'pay for their sins'.
"My former husband has been calling me numerous times insulting me and declaring that together with my son we will pay for our sins,"she said.
"I suspect he is the one who trumped up flimsy charges against my son who is now being hunted for public disorderly conduct,"claims Nozipho.
Nozipho added that she no longer feels safe socialising due to escalating threats.
“I love going out and socialising, but because of the threats, I no longer feel safe around people. I struggle to trust anyone, especially after my son’s partner was killed under unclear circumstances.Because of the physical abuse from my husband we had to flee to South Africa ,which is not a very safe option given the history of xenophobic attacks against Zimbabweans”, said the 45-year-old.
Their ordeal reflects broader concerns about the safety of LGBTQI+ individuals in Zimbabwe. In June last year, transgender activist Sunflower Sibanda was reportedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted.
In a separate incident, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga publicly criticized a gay and le***an advocacy group for offering scholarships to underprivileged university students, describing LGBTQI+ identities as “alien, anti-life, un-African and un-Christian.”
Advocates say such rhetoric reinforces fears within the LGBTQI+ community that they lack adequate protection under Zimbabwean law.
