In Edendale, South Africa, a tragic hate crime claimed the lives of a lesbian couple, Nombulelo Bhixa, 28, and Minenhle Ngcobo, 22. On August 27, the pair was fatally shot while entering a taxi in what is being investigated as a hate crime. The suspect is identified as one of the women’s ex-partner and the father of her child, who reportedly could not accept the couple’s relationship. The alleged perpetrator had a history of harassment towards the couple, prompting one of the victims to file a protection order against him. Bongekile Mkhize, a friend of the victims, expressed profound grief, stating, “All I know is that they were very much in love with each other.” Mkhize also conveyed frustration over the lack of clear answers regarding the incident. Uthingo Network, a local LGBTQ advocacy group, condemned the violence, highlighting the deep-seated homophobia in South Africa, particularly in rural areas. Sergeant Sifiso Gwala confirmed that the case is under investigation with no arrests yet, urging anyone with information to come forward. The community remains in shock, grappling with the senseless loss and ongoing violence against queer individuals #Lesbian Culture