News / National
11-year-old boy found hanging in school cottage
31 May 2025 at 13:44hrs | Views
A sombre mood has gripped the Filabusi community in Matabeleland South following the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy who died by suicide last week.
The boy, identified as Junior Moyo, was found hanging in his bedroom at Singwango Number 1 Primary School cottages on May 25. He had reportedly used a cloth to hang himself behind the door. Junior had recently returned from South Africa and was living with his guardian, 34-year-old Nonhlanhla Moyo, a teacher at the school. He was enrolled in Grade Three.
Sources close to the family say Junior had shown signs of emotional distress in the days leading up to his death. On May 23, he reportedly expressed a desire to return to his parents in South Africa. Despite efforts by his guardian to comfort and support him, the young boy's emotional state reportedly remained fragile.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Chiratidzo Dube, confirmed the incident and said investigations are underway. No signs of external injuries were observed on the body.
Inspector Dube appealed to parents and guardians to prioritise the emotional well-being of children, especially those going through transitions or separation from parents.
"Parents and guardians should understand that young people can sometimes be affected by emotions, and hence they need to provide counselling whenever issues arise that require it," she said. "They can also engage third parties, such as professional counsellors, to provide necessary counselling to affected children."
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and sparked fresh calls for greater mental health support for children, particularly those adjusting to new living environments or separated from close family members.
Grief counsellors and local leaders are expected to visit the school and surrounding community to provide support and raise awareness about child mental health.
Authorities and educators have also urged families to be alert to changes in children's behaviour and to create safe spaces for them to express their feelings.
The boy, identified as Junior Moyo, was found hanging in his bedroom at Singwango Number 1 Primary School cottages on May 25. He had reportedly used a cloth to hang himself behind the door. Junior had recently returned from South Africa and was living with his guardian, 34-year-old Nonhlanhla Moyo, a teacher at the school. He was enrolled in Grade Three.
Sources close to the family say Junior had shown signs of emotional distress in the days leading up to his death. On May 23, he reportedly expressed a desire to return to his parents in South Africa. Despite efforts by his guardian to comfort and support him, the young boy's emotional state reportedly remained fragile.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Chiratidzo Dube, confirmed the incident and said investigations are underway. No signs of external injuries were observed on the body.
Inspector Dube appealed to parents and guardians to prioritise the emotional well-being of children, especially those going through transitions or separation from parents.
"Parents and guardians should understand that young people can sometimes be affected by emotions, and hence they need to provide counselling whenever issues arise that require it," she said. "They can also engage third parties, such as professional counsellors, to provide necessary counselling to affected children."
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and sparked fresh calls for greater mental health support for children, particularly those adjusting to new living environments or separated from close family members.
Grief counsellors and local leaders are expected to visit the school and surrounding community to provide support and raise awareness about child mental health.
Authorities and educators have also urged families to be alert to changes in children's behaviour and to create safe spaces for them to express their feelings.
Source - CITE
