BCC orders pruning of 'suicide trees'

The City of Bulawayo has resolved to prune trees associated with suicide cases to deter climbing and make them less accessible to individuals contemplating taking their lives. This decision follows a petition by Old Lobengula residents urging the council to cut down a tree where a suicide occurred last month near Nyamande Primary School.

The residents cited cultural beliefs and concerns over children potentially consuming the tree's fruit, which they deemed taboo. They also expressed fears about the psychological impact on pupils and the broader community.

Bulawayo has seen a disturbing rise in suicides, with 21 cases reported between June and November 2024, 20 of which involved male victims. Entumbane suburb alone recorded five incidents of suicide by hanging on trees during this period.

The prevalence of such cases has prompted multiple requests from residents for the removal of "suicide trees." In Old Lobengula, community members expressed concerns about a umsawa tree near the school, stating that it had become a focal point for distress and fear.

In response, the council acknowledged the seriousness of the situation while emphasizing that removing trees entirely might not address the root causes of suicides.

“Trees are not the problem; they are merely vehicles for the act," noted the council report. “The challenges leading to these tragedies are deeper and require a holistic approach."

From an environmental perspective, the council argued that completely removing indigenous trees, which take decades to grow, would harm the ecosystem. Instead, pruning trees to restrict accessibility was deemed a more sustainable solution.

The debate among councillors highlighted differing perspectives on how to balance cultural concerns, mental health issues, and environmental preservation.

Councillor Siboniso Moyo supported cutting down the tree, citing its proximity to the school and its potential to traumatize pupils. “Some pupils were seen dramatizing the suicide incident with ropes. This is alarming, as they are treating it like a game," she said.

Conversely, Councillor Dumisani Netha emphasized the importance of preserving trees. He proposed pruning only the branch involved in the incident, warning that indiscriminate removal could create barren urban landscapes. “Cutting every tree linked to suicides is not a sustainable solution, especially with climate change making tree growth difficult," he argued.

The council recognized that the growing number of suicides points to deeper societal issues that need urgent attention. While pruning trees may mitigate access in the short term, addressing the root causes of mental health struggles remains critical.

The local authority also urged residents to work collectively to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage individuals in distress to seek help.

In a city grappling with loss, the focus is now on finding a balance between respecting cultural beliefs, preserving the environment, and addressing mental health challenges with compassion and urgency.