7-year-old commits suicide

Police have launched a full investigation after a seven-year-old boy was found dead, hanging from a tree in Datata Village, Makoni District.

The deceased, identified as Kissmore Huta, was an Early Childhood Development (ECD B) learner at Datata Primary School. The community has expressed shock and called for authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the boy's death.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said:

"On November 15, around 11 am at Plot 40A, Datata Village in Inyati Mine, Kissmore Huta proceeded to a nearby bush about 100 meters from their homestead to obtain tree bark rope to make a cattle driving whip. He was in the company of his 11-year-old sister."

Chinyoka explained that the boy's sister left briefly when called home by their mother. Upon returning about 15 minutes later, she found Kissmore hanging from a tree branch approximately 2.5 meters above the ground, with a rope around his neck.

"She called Kissmore, but he did not respond. She rushed home to inform her mother. Ms Kusena arrived at the scene and found Kissmore already dead. She reported the matter to ZRP Inyati Mine, and the body was conveyed to Rusape General Hospital for a post-mortem," Chinyoka added.

Police investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances behind this tragic incident.