Online Reporter
Leot Mafukashe and Simbarashe Chitsiku
A 45-YEAR-OLD man from Sadziwa Village under Chief Mutasa allegedly took his own life by ingesting pesticide after failing to settle a US$200 debt.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Wednesday at the Marune homestead, where the deceased, Lovemore Sibanda, worked as a general hand alongside colleague, Mr Tinotenda Rumhungwe (25).
According to police, Sibanda and Rumhungwe were carrying out their usual duties involving herbicides and pesticides when a villager, Ms Dorine Mupandavana, arrived at the homestead demanding repayment of the debt.
Sibanda reportedly excused himself, saying he was going to his room to collect the money.
However, he took unusually long inside, raising concern from Mr Rumhungwe.
“Mr Rumhungwe followed Sibanda into the room, where he found him lying on the floor, vomiting a blue substance, with a strong chemical smell filling the room,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
A container of the pesticide was found beside the deceased, suggesting he had ingested the toxic substance. Mr Rumhungwe alerted other villagers, who rushed to the scene and rushed Sibanda to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The matter was reported at ZRP Penhalonga, who attended the scene.
The body was examined and no visible injuries were observed before being taken to the hospital mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged the public to resolve disputes amicably and seek support during times of distress.
“People are encouraged to engage others and confide in someone when facing challenges rather than resorting to drastic actions,” he said.
Meanwhile, a swimming expedition in the turbulent waters of Odzani River ended in tragedy after a 24-year-old man, Tawanda Juma, of Kudiwa Village in Mutasa, drowned after being overpowered by the tide.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said Juma’s drowning was reported by Mr Wellington Nyamungo (56), also of Kudiwa Village, who is married to the deceased’s sister.
The incident happened after Juma had visited his brother-in-law from Harare the previous Friday. “On Saturday at around 3pm, the deceased, Tawanda Juma, went to Odzani River with his friends, Munashe Murauro (17), and Blessed Chimoyo (16), both from Mukanda Village. After bathing, Juma decided to swim, and jumped into the river. He was overpowered by the water and started drowning, eventually submerging beneath the surface,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He said Juma’s companions rushed back home and alerted other villagers, who searched for him, but to no avail. The ZRP Sub Aqua Unit from Changadzi was called in to assist, and Juma’s body was recovered floating on Monday.
“Mr Nyamungo made a report at ZRP Manica Bridge Base, who attended the scene. Initially, efforts to locate the body were in vain. ZRP Sub Aqua Unit from Changadzi was advised, and attend the scene. The late Jamu’s body was found floating on Monday,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
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