Man hangs himself over HIV status

A 43-YEAR-OLD Chegutu man allegedly took his own life by hanging from a tree branch after he tested positive to HIV over the weekend.

The deceased, identified as Joseph Mwanza of Hebadon Farm in Chegutu, is alleged to have hanged himself with a belt.

A relative, Cyprian Chuma, told NewsDay yesterday that Mwanza had previously visited a local hospital for HIV tests and was told that he had tested positive. Upon his return from hospital, Mwanza allegedly informed family members that he was contemplating committing suicide because of his health status.

Mwanza allegedly left home on Saturday morning indicating that he was going to collect firewood, and was later found hanging from a tree on the banks of a nearby river.

Mwanza was buried at the farm yesterday.

Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabgweazara was unavailable for comment yesterday.