Boy commits suicide after friend is run over by a car

A 19-year-old man from Chivi has died in a suspected suicide after reportedly learning of the death of his close friend, an 18-year-old student and talented athlete who was killed in a road accident.

Exodus Muteiwa, from Chipeta Village under Chief Chivi, was reportedly staying in Gutu when he received news that his friend, Brayce Charare, had been killed after being struck by a vehicle along the Chiredzi-Ngundu Road.

Police confirmed Muteiwa's death, although further details surrounding the circumstances were not immediately available.

Charare, a student at Shongamiti High School, was reportedly cycling along the road when he was struck by a car at Dare at around 11am. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Ngundu Clinic.

Charare was buried on Wednesday at Bhusvumani Village under Chief Dare in Chivi. Muteiwa was expected to be buried alongside his friend.

According to relatives, Muteiwa was attending church when he received the news of Charare's death. He reportedly returned home before later leaving the house, after which he was found dead.

The deaths have left the Chivi community and Shongamiti High School mourning, with residents expressing concern over a series of tragedies involving people connected to the school.

The latest deaths come barely two months after two teachers at Shongamiti High School, Keneddy Chitanga and Tumburayi, who were reportedly close friends, died within days of each other.

Some community members have expressed fears about a possible pattern of unexplained deaths affecting the school, with others attributing the tragedies to spiritual causes.

Charare's family described him as a humble young man with a promising future.

"Brayce was a very special person to us. He was the last born in the family, humble and had a bright future ahead of him. We are deeply hurt by his death," said his brother, Desmond Farai Charare.

"They were very close friends and had been together for a long time. We never expected that the loss of Brayce would affect Exodus to such an extent."

Charare was reportedly a gifted all-round sportsman who excelled in soccer and athletics. He was said to be among the fastest 100-metre runners in the area and also captained a local football team.

His maternal uncle, Simbarashe Mutemeri, described him as a versatile athlete who excelled in athletics, handball, soccer and long jump.

Local sports sponsor Bondcoin also paid tribute to Charare, describing him as an irreplaceable footballer whose sporting career had held considerable promise.

Chivi South legislator Felix Maburutse attended Charare's burial as relatives, fellow students, teachers and members of the community gathered to pay their final respects.

The deaths have renewed calls for emotional support for young people and members of the community dealing with sudden bereavement and traumatic loss.