Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
TWO families in the Cowdray Park area have been left devastated after separate suicide by hanging incidents claimed the lives of a 47-year-old man and a 21-year-old man on consecutive nights. Police are appealing to communities to prioritise mental health support after juveniles discovered the two deceased men, prompting an emotional statement on the sanctity of life.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the two unrelated incidents, describing them as deeply disturbing and traumatic, especially for the young children who encountered the scenes first.
She said the first incident occurred on December 1, 2025, at around 9:30PM, when a 40-year-old woman from Cowdray Park returned home from work only to be met with gut-wrenching news from her nine-year-old daughter.
The minor reportedly informed her mother that Fungai Ncube (47), who lived at the same residence, had locked himself inside the bedroom and was not responding to calls or knocks.
“The woman peeped through the bedroom window and saw the now deceased hanging from a roof truss.
A report was made to the police and the body was ferried to United Bulawayo Hospitals where it awaits post-mortem,” she said.
Inspector Msebele said the incident left the family and neighbours shocked, with community members struggling to understand what might have driven Ncube to take his own life.
She said no suicide note was recovered and the motive remains unknown. For the second incident, Insp Msebele said barely 24 hours later, tragedy struck again in the same suburb.
“On 2 December 2025, around 9:30PM, a 15-year-old boy returned home from his piece-job to find the doors of their house locked from the inside. After failing to get a response from his older brother, Sizalobuhle Sibanda (21), the teenager forced open the main door,” said Insp Msebele.
She said what he found inside was a sight no young person should witness.
“Sibanda had hanged himself from the roof truss in the lounge. The young boy immediately called for help. A police report was made and the body of the now deceased was conveyed to United Bulawayo
Hospital mortuary for post-mortem. As with the first case, the reasons behind the suicide are unknown,” she said.
Inspector Msebele said having both incidents occur within hours of each other and under similar circumstances has deeply unsettled the Cowdray Park community, raising concerns about rising emotional distress and the silent struggles that many individuals may be facing.
She issued a strong plea on mental health and community support, expressing concern about the increasing number of suicide cases involving adults whose distress is not easily visible to those closest to them.
Inspector Msebele said the fact that children discovered both bodies further emphasised the need for communities to remain vigilant about mental well-being.
“We urge members of the public to seek help and support from friends, relatives, churches and professionals whenever they feel overwhelmed emotionally and stressed, as taking one’s life is never a solution,” said Insp Msebele.
She warned that the emotional impact on minors who encounter such traumatic scenes can be long-lasting and severe.
“We urge members of the community to value the sanctity of life and the values of Ubuntu. It is traumatising for juveniles to witness lifeless bodies hanging, and we appeal to the public to avoid exposing children to such emotional harm,” said Insp Msebele.
She called upon mental health advocates in Bulawayo to establish conversations with families, churches and workplaces about psychological support and early intervention when someone is struggling.
The tragedies have left the neighbourhood shaken, sparking discussions about how people can better support each other in times of emotional distress.
“It’s heartbreaking to see two families going through such pain in such a short time. We need to check on each other more, especially now when life is difficult for many people,” said Insp Msebele.
Zimbabwe’s health experts continue to urge people to take mental health symptoms seriously, including prolonged sadness, hopelessness, sudden withdrawal, substance abuse or drastic changes in behaviour.
Inspector Msebele said community members should never hesitate to alert authorities, church leaders, counsellors or trusted relatives when they suspect someone is in emotional danger.
“Early intervention saves lives. We encourage the public to be observant and proactive. A simple conversation, a check-in or timely support can prevent a tragedy,” she said.
