Zanu PF councillor hangs self

A Zanu PF councillor and Agritex officer, Elliot Chapinda (44), from Ward 13 in Bikita, took his own life on Sunday evening after his wife formally ended their marriage by presenting him with a divorce token, known locally as gupuro.

Chapinda was reportedly found dead the following morning inside a well at his homestead, after allegedly tying a rope to a pole and slipping inside. His body was discovered by a neighbour who had gone to fetch water.

National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, saying investigations were underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the councillor's death. He indicated that preliminary findings point to marital problems as the likely cause.

"I can confirm we have a case where a man aged 44 allegedly committed suicide over marital problems that we are investigating, and we are yet to establish the full circumstances," said Comm Nyathi.

Bikita Rural District Council Chairperson Thomas Mataga also confirmed the tragic incident, revealing that bottles of poison were discovered at the scene. However, it remained unclear whether Chapinda had ingested the poison before his death.

"Some bottles of poison were found at the scene, but it was yet to be established if he took the poison before dying. The incident shocked us as council and Bikita residents; we have lost a good comrade," said Mataga.

Sources close to the family said Chapinda's death occurred just hours after his wife formally ended their marriage in the presence of her family in Zaka.

"He had travelled with a friend to Zaka in a final attempt to reconcile with his estranged wife, but the effort failed when she presented him with a divorce token. He later returned to his uncle's home, where he spent the night. Sometime during the night, he slipped away and was found dead the following morning," said a source.

It is also alleged that Chapinda left behind a suicide note expressing his despair over losing his wife and children.

"He wrote that he could not continue living without his family, which is why he decided to end his life," added the source.

Councillor Chapinda's death has sent shockwaves through the Bikita community, highlighting the growing trend of men taking their own lives following relationship breakdowns. Mental health experts have repeatedly warned that social stigma around men seeking emotional help often leads to tragic outcomes.

This latest incident comes barely a year after another high-profile suicide in the district, involving Bikita Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer Peter Chibi, who took his own life in March last year amid allegations of corruption-related stress.

Police have urged members of the public to seek counselling and support when facing emotional or relationship challenges.