Man attempts, fails to commit suicide twice

A 45-YEAR-OLD Nkulumane man tried to commit suicide on two different occasions but failed on both attempts after his wife threatened to end their marriage of seven years due to his alleged infidelity.
Oster Sibanda brought her husband, Mxolisi, before Bulawayo magistrate Evelyn Mashavakure demanding a protection order against him.

The court heard that on his first attempt at suicide, Mxolisi drank a dipping chemical and paraffin before hanging himself in his children’s bedroom. Neighbours were quickly called in and he was rushed to a clinic where he received treatment.

As the relationship between the couple remained sour, the following week Mxolisi reportedly drank poison and tried to hang himself again but his rope loosened and he fell to the ground. Before he was taken to the hospital, Oster reportedly gave him a through beating for his behaviour which she said unsettled the entire family.

“On two different occasions he drank poison after I told him that I was sick and tired of his infidelity. He drank poison and after poisoning himself, he took a rope and hanged himself in my children’s bedroom. He is insisting that he wants to die with me,” Oster told the court.

“His girlfriends phone me and also send abusive messages saying I am a whore. At first the respondent was very abusive and he did not want me to ask him about his infidelity. I later told him that we should part ways as I was no longer interested in our marriage.”

Mxolisi told the court that he tried to commit suicide because his wife was very abusive. He said he was still in pain and discussing the matter was opening old wounds.

“I do not agree with what the applicant is saying. My actions were driven by abusive words that will be coming from her. Due to her harsh words, committing suicide was the best option. I once went for counselling but nothing is changing and I will accept any ruling this honourable court will make,” he said.

Ms Mashavakure suggested that the couple should go for counselling so that they can perhaps iron out their differences.