News / Local
War vet commits suicide
11 Sep 2013 at 12:28hrs | Views
A 54-year-old war veteran from Entumbane Suburb in Bulawayo allegedly committed suicide by drinking poison after claiming that his family hated him.
The man identified as Comrade Townley Nxumalo from Nkayi district was found dead by his tenants at House Number 30066 Entumbane, around 12pm on Sunday after allegedly drinking a pesticide. Confirming the incident police spokes person Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo said police received a report of sudden death of an adult after drinking poison over unclear circumstances.
In an interview yesterday, his friend Mr Mbelesi Mkandla said at around 8pm on Saturday the deceased had threatened to kill himself because he said his family was giving him problems.
"Mr Nxumalo had threatened to kill himself but no one took him seriously. His tenants said he came home on Saturday evening and locked himself in his room and drank the poison that night. He was found dead the next morning lying on the floor with white foam coming out of his mouth," said Mr Mkandla.
"This is a great loss to all the people who knew Comrade Nxumalo because he was a good man and a uniting figure in times of disputes," said Mr Nxumalo.
He declined to comment on allegations made by his late father, against the family, his son Mr Paul Nxumalo saying the family had lost a pillar of strength.
"His death is painful because we have lost a pillar of strength. He has left a gap in our lives that no one can fill," said Mr Nxumalo.
Comrade Townely was born on the 14 April 1959 in Nkayi District. He did his primary education at Dimbamiwa Primary School from Sub A to Grade 7.
He served for 23 years in the army and received medals such as the Zimbabwe Liberation medal, Zimbabwe Independence medal, 10 year service medal, Mozambique Campaign medal, Operation Sovereignty medal. He retired from the army in 2006.
He will be buried on Saturday at the Bulawayo provincial heroes' acre, in Nkulumane.
Comrade Nxumalo is survived by his wife Mrs Mthokozisi Nxumalo, six children and seven grandchildren.
The man identified as Comrade Townley Nxumalo from Nkayi district was found dead by his tenants at House Number 30066 Entumbane, around 12pm on Sunday after allegedly drinking a pesticide. Confirming the incident police spokes person Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo said police received a report of sudden death of an adult after drinking poison over unclear circumstances.
In an interview yesterday, his friend Mr Mbelesi Mkandla said at around 8pm on Saturday the deceased had threatened to kill himself because he said his family was giving him problems.
"Mr Nxumalo had threatened to kill himself but no one took him seriously. His tenants said he came home on Saturday evening and locked himself in his room and drank the poison that night. He was found dead the next morning lying on the floor with white foam coming out of his mouth," said Mr Mkandla.
"This is a great loss to all the people who knew Comrade Nxumalo because he was a good man and a uniting figure in times of disputes," said Mr Nxumalo.
"His death is painful because we have lost a pillar of strength. He has left a gap in our lives that no one can fill," said Mr Nxumalo.
Comrade Townely was born on the 14 April 1959 in Nkayi District. He did his primary education at Dimbamiwa Primary School from Sub A to Grade 7.
He served for 23 years in the army and received medals such as the Zimbabwe Liberation medal, Zimbabwe Independence medal, 10 year service medal, Mozambique Campaign medal, Operation Sovereignty medal. He retired from the army in 2006.
He will be buried on Saturday at the Bulawayo provincial heroes' acre, in Nkulumane.
Comrade Nxumalo is survived by his wife Mrs Mthokozisi Nxumalo, six children and seven grandchildren.
Source - Byo24News
