Cowdray Park man commits suicide following dispute with mother

Police recovered two bottles of pesticide in the room, both with some contents remaining, which are suspected to have been consumed by the deceased

Bongani Ndlovu, Online Reporter

A 21-year-old man from Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo died after drinking rat poison following a domestic dispute with his mother over spilled cooking oil.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident, which occurred on Saturday, 12 July.

She said Thabiso Ndlovu, the now deceased, had an altercation with his 41-year-old mother after he was reprimanded for spilling two litres of cooking oil on the floor.

“This did not go well with the now deceased who became angry and drank rat killer poison. His mother saw him vomiting and upon inquiry, he admitted to ingesting the poison,” said Inspector Msebele.

An ambulance was summoned and Ndlovu was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital where he was admitted.

However, two days later, on Monday at around 5.40AM, his mother received a call from the hospital informing her that her son had died.

Police are urging members of the public to seek counselling and resolve disputes peacefully.

“We continue to encourage families to engage in open dialogue and seek help when faced with emotional challenges. Taking one’s own life is never the solution,” said Inspector Msebele.