Headboy hangs self after impregnating his girlfriend

A Phakamani High School headboy in Plumtree hanged himself yesterday after suspecting that he had impregnated his girlfriend, an O Level pupil at the same school.

Police spokesperson for Matabeleland South Assistant Inspector Christopher Ngwenya identified the pupil as Form Six student Obriel Ncube (19) of Number 759 Makariba suburb, Plumtree.

One of the teachers at the school revealed that Obriel had confided to his friends that he had impregnated his girlfriend, a daughter of a local police officer and therefore feared being arrested.

She said the friends also said he had told them that he was afraid of causing more problems for his mother who was struggling to make ends meet hence his decision to commit suicide.

"It is a shock that such an intelligent and well mannered young boy like Obriel could end his life in such a terrible way," said a teacher who declined to be named.

"I used to know him well as he was my pupil. I knew that he was dating a Form Four pupil at the school but I did not know that he had impregnated her. I only discovered this information after talking to some of his friends from the school who said Obriel had impregnated his girlfriend who is a daughter of a police officer. His girlfriend had hinted to him that her father might have him arrested for impregnating her and he probably failed to stomach the consequences of his actions and resorted to committing suicide," said the teacher.

Obriel's friend said he was aware of the relationship, but did not know that his friend had impregnated his girlfriend.

"Obriel had been going out with the girl for more than a year, but I was not aware that she was pregnant," he said. "The last time I saw them they appeared happy together and I did not suspect that there was a problem.

"What I recall is that Obriel always insisted that he did not want to cause more problems for his mother as she was struggling to fend for him and his sisters."

Mr Mbuso Ncube, a family spokesperson and Obriel's uncle said the incident was a huge shock as the family was not aware that his nephew had impregnated his girlfriend.

Asst Insp Ngwenya said Obriel went out on Sunday and returned late which was unusual, but his mother did not suspect anything.

He said Obriel later woke up in the middle of the night and pulled a cord from the stove, which he used to hang himself.