Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
Police in Bulawayo are investigating two separate cases of sudden death by hanging which occurred in Pumula South and Old Magwegwe, leaving two families devastated within hours of each other.
The incidents involve a 44-year-old man from Emthunzini and a 20-year-old man from Old Magwegwe, both of whom were found hanging in separate circumstances following what police believe were emotional and domestic pressures.
In the first incident, the body of Mandlenkosi Simbarashe Ncube (44) of Emthunzini suburb was discovered in a bushy area between the suburb and Pumula South.
Ncube phoned his younger brother at around 2 AM on 27 June 2026, informing him that he was experiencing serious marital problems with his wife.
Police said the conversation did not indicate immediate danger at the time.
However, at around 8:12 AM the same morning, the brother received a phone call informing him that Ncube had been found hanging from a tree in a bushy area.
Police attended the scene and the body was conveyed to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for post-mortem examination.
In the second incident in Old Magwegwe, police are investigating the death of 20-year-old Dominick Ndlovu, who was found hanging inside a bathroom at his family home.
Police said on the evening of 27 June 2026, the deceased had a discussion with his parents after supper regarding allegations of drug use, which he denied.
The family later retired to bed at around 2130 hours.
At around 3 AM, the father woke up to use the toilet when he made the shocking discovery of his son hanging from the roof truss of the bathroom using a blue and white rope.
He immediately raised alarm and reported the matter to police.
Scenes of Crime officers attended the scene and noted that no visible injuries were observed on the body.
A search was conducted in the room and house, but no suicide note was recovered.
The body was ferried to UBH mortuary for post-mortem.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the two cases reflect a worrying trend of emotional distress-related deaths being recorded across the city.
She urged members of the public to seek help before situations escalate, warning that many people suffer in silence until it is too late.
“We continue to urge members of the public to speak to family members, pastors, community leaders or professional counsellors when they are going through emotional difficulties,” she said.
Inspector Msebele added that families should remain alert to behavioural changes and encourage open communication at home.
“Most of these situations can be prevented if people talk before problems become overwhelming,” she said.
She reiterated that suicide is not a solution to personal or family challenges.
