3 suicides in Bulawayo

THREE men from Bulawayo including a recently released inmate committed suicide by hanging in different parts of the city, police have confirmed.

Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele identified two of the men as Michael Gonye (28) of Pumula South and Bongani Mahlobo (40) of Hope Fountain.

Assistant Inspector Msebele said the unidentified man was wearing a black jacket, khakhi worksuit trousers, and a pair of farmer shoes.

She urged members of the public who are missing a family member to visit their nearest police station.

“On the 15th of July 2023 at around 1500 hours, a male adult aged 35 of Emakhandeni Bulawayo was walking along a footpath from Entumbane Complex proceeding to his place of residence. When he reached a bushy area near Woza Woza shopping centre in Emakhandeni suburb, he discovered the deceased hanging from a tree branch. He then phoned the police who came and discovered that the now deceased who is in his late thirties was hanging using a wire. The deceased was wearing a black jacket, khakhi worksuit trousers and a pair of farmer shoes. ”

Ass Insp Msebele said upon searching the body, a small towel was found in the trousers pocket and an orange satchel with clothes was also found at the scene.

She said the body which was decomposing, had no visible injuries.

“On the second incident which happened on the 14th of July 2023 at around 1400 hours, the now deceased Michael Gonye who was complaining of tonsils was left home sleeping by his father. The father returned home at around 2230 hours and went to his bedroom to sleep. On 15 July 2023 at around 0800 hours, the father woke up and looked for the now deceased in his room but he discovered that the door was locked from inside. He forced open the door and found his son hanging from the roof truss. He used a belt to hang himself. The matter was reported to the police,” she said.

The third incident happened in Hopefountain outside Bulawayo and involves a recently released inmate.

“On the third incident, the now deceased Bongani Mahlobo’s father went to Douglasdale feedlot at Pinedale Douglasdale where he works on the 6th of July 2023. He left his son who had just been released from Khami Prison, alone at home. On 15 July 2023 at around 1730 hours, the father returned home, opened the door, and saw his son hanging from the roof. He used a rope to hang himself from the roof truss. A police report was made,” she said.

Inspector Ncube urged members of the public members to seek counselling whenever they encounter problems than to resort to taking their own lives. @themkhust