High suicides worry NRZ

A total of 147 people have committed suicide by throwing themselves in front of on-coming trains or sat in railway lines from January 2007 to February 2015, National Railways of Zimbabwe has said.

NRZ said rejection, negligence and societal stigma are possible contributing factors to these prevalent suicidal cases.

"In many cases, this involves women carrying young children, which is very saddening indeed.

"It is common knowledge that many people are facing hardships and social problems, but it is not an option or solution to commit suicide.

"The statistics show trends or occasions in suicidal cases increasing in January, September and December 2014, which could be attributed to the so-called ‘January disease' and school fees dilemma among other social effects ," NRZ said in a statement

The company said it was worrying that there had been a number of accidents occurring on railway lines.

"We have observed with concern, the disturbing and increasing incidences of railroad level crossing accidents, as well as suicidal cases along the railway system countrywide in recent weeks and months," the parastatal said.

"It is saddening to note that the accidents continue to occur at rail-road level crossings and undesignated rail level crossings, despite the fact that all drivers of both light and heavy vehicles are aware of the need to exercise extreme caution, whenever they are approaching rail-road level crossings, throughout the country."

According to statistics as from January 2007 to December 2013, a total of 167 people died and 581 were injured at railroad level crossings.

"We therefore, urge all drivers to put on a human face when driving on our roads, so as to protect and save precious and irreplaceable human lives," NRZ added.