Suicide over pregnant minor

A-22-YEAR-OLD man from Maphisa allegedly committed suicide by hanging after the parents of his pregnant girlfriend reported him to the police for sleeping with a minor.

Phathisa Dlamini was found dead at home at Maphisa growth point on Tuesday morning.

Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nkosilathi Sibanda confirmed the incident yesterday.

He said investigations were underway.

"We received a report of sudden death. A man was found hanging in his house on Tuesday morning. A colleague discovered the body.

"He was last seen the previous night with his housemate at their house. Investigations are underway," said Asst Insp Sibanda.

He urged members of the public to desist from committing suicide but share their problems and seek advice from friends, relatives, police and churches.

"We are calling on people to desist from taking their own lives even when they're having problems. It's important to engage other people who can assist," Asst Insp Sibanda said.

Sources told The Chronicle that Dlamini allegedly had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl who was in Form Two.

"The minor is reportedly pregnant. When her parents discovered the pregnancy, the girl's mother confronted him and threatened to report him to the police.

"The following day, Dlamini was picked up by police for questioning. We suspect that he was probably frustrated and stressed and resorted to suicide," said the source.