Man kills self after being denied scotchcart

IS SUICIDE cowardice?

A TOTAL of six people chose the easy way out over the past five days in Matabeleland North province.

It appears there is a suicidal wave cresting in Matabeleland North province over the past four days after two of the six deceased-committed suicide after discovering their HIV status.

One of the six cut his life short after he was denied use of a donkey drawn cart he wanted to use to attend a wedding.

Two children died in a suicide-murder, after being, hanged by their father, who later hanged-himself as well, following a domestic dispute.

In a telephone interview, Matabeleland North police spokesperson, Inspector Trust Ndlovu said the first suicide took place on 15 April when Givemore Mupengesi (32) of Mantangeni Line, Mbembesi area hanged himself after his mother denied him permission to use the family's donkey drawn cart. He said Mupengesi wanted to use the cart as transport to a wedding ceremony at Clonmore area.

"Mupengesi hanged himself in the early morning of 15 April. His mother turned down his request to use their donkey drawn cart and this did not go down well with him. He threatened his mother with killing himself.

"He later left home at 8am and went to a nearby bush where he hanged himself," Insp Ndlovu said. He said no foul play is suspected. Insp Ndlovu said the second person killed himself after discovering that he was HIV positive. The incident happened on 16 April at Sipepa area in Tsholostho.

"A 28-year-old man returned home from South Africa feeling unwell. He was taken to Sipepa clinic where some blood tests were done and he was diagnosed HIV positive," he said.

He said the man hanged himself after learning of his status In his bedroom hut.

On the same day, a 32-year-old man-from village 20 in Kamativi area in Binga committed suicide by also hanging himself because he discovered he was infected with the virus.

The last man to go this route was Charles Diva who squeezed the life out of himself and his two children, a "boy and a girl using a noose.

"A Victoria Falls man, Charles Diva is suspected of having had a long standing dispute with his wife. He allegedly hanged his two children first, a three-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy in their family bathroom at house number 5121 Mkhosana township before hanging himself," Insp Ndlovu said.

He said Diya hanged the children using a wire and electric cord before hanging himself with a rope. The incident happened on 17 April.

He advised people to desist from committing suicide saying the police, the church leaders and community leaders offer free counseling services.

"We urge members of the public to approach the police, to approach church or community leaders or relatives if they have any problems because killing themselves will not solve anything," he said.