News / National
Beitbridge grapples with rising suicide cases
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Residents of Beitbridge have voiced alarm over a recent spike in suicide cases, with three females, including a 14-year-old girl, taking their lives in just three weeks. The deaths, which appear to be passion-related, have left the border town reeling.
The 14-year-old girl's death has drawn significant attention. According to Officer Commanding Beitbridge Police District, Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube, the teenager ended her life after being reprimanded by a parent for arriving home late. Reports suggest the girl was involved with a married man, whose wife had earlier confronted her family. Upon returning home, the teenager reportedly ingested rat poison after being chastised.
Another woman, a shoe vendor, also took her own life after discovering her husband was involved in an extramarital affair with a woman older than her. A third woman, residing in the Mazondo area of Dulivhadzimu high-density suburb, committed suicide under unclear circumstances.
The tragedies are part of a larger pattern of sudden deaths in the town. In a separate incident, a young man from Chicago village drowned during a failed swimming attempt in a nearby area he was visiting. Similarly, a child from Makakavhule drowned in the swollen Mzingwane River after slipping off a relative's back while attempting to cross the flooded river.
Adding to the town's grief, a toddler was burned to death in a house fire in Dulivhadzimu, with residents gathering on Tuesday to mourn the tragic loss. In another distressing incident, a four-day-old baby was found abandoned near St. Mary's Secondary School. The baby, now safe at Beitbridge District Hospital, has prompted investigations, with police confirming the mother has been identified and is assisting with inquiries.
Ward 3 councillor Takavingei Mahachi has urged residents to seek help when dealing with personal challenges rather than resorting to suicide. He also called for tighter controls on the sale of poisons and harmful substances.
"We must have people who sell drugs and these poisons registered and controlled because children and suicidal individuals are accessing them easily," Mahachi said.
The recent string of incidents has highlighted the need for increased community support and awareness in addressing mental health challenges and other social pressures in Beitbridge. Residents and local leaders have called for immediate measures to prevent further tragedies.
The 14-year-old girl's death has drawn significant attention. According to Officer Commanding Beitbridge Police District, Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube, the teenager ended her life after being reprimanded by a parent for arriving home late. Reports suggest the girl was involved with a married man, whose wife had earlier confronted her family. Upon returning home, the teenager reportedly ingested rat poison after being chastised.
Another woman, a shoe vendor, also took her own life after discovering her husband was involved in an extramarital affair with a woman older than her. A third woman, residing in the Mazondo area of Dulivhadzimu high-density suburb, committed suicide under unclear circumstances.
The tragedies are part of a larger pattern of sudden deaths in the town. In a separate incident, a young man from Chicago village drowned during a failed swimming attempt in a nearby area he was visiting. Similarly, a child from Makakavhule drowned in the swollen Mzingwane River after slipping off a relative's back while attempting to cross the flooded river.
Adding to the town's grief, a toddler was burned to death in a house fire in Dulivhadzimu, with residents gathering on Tuesday to mourn the tragic loss. In another distressing incident, a four-day-old baby was found abandoned near St. Mary's Secondary School. The baby, now safe at Beitbridge District Hospital, has prompted investigations, with police confirming the mother has been identified and is assisting with inquiries.
Ward 3 councillor Takavingei Mahachi has urged residents to seek help when dealing with personal challenges rather than resorting to suicide. He also called for tighter controls on the sale of poisons and harmful substances.
"We must have people who sell drugs and these poisons registered and controlled because children and suicidal individuals are accessing them easily," Mahachi said.
The recent string of incidents has highlighted the need for increased community support and awareness in addressing mental health challenges and other social pressures in Beitbridge. Residents and local leaders have called for immediate measures to prevent further tragedies.
Source - newsday
