Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A 44-YEAR-OLD Mzilikazi man was found dead, hanging inside a shade at his workplace in Bulawayo, in a suspected suicide.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident, saying police received a report of Lovemore Phiri’s death on July 10.
Inspector Msebele said the previous evening, at around 9pm, Phiri had been warming himself by a fire with his workmates while listening to a soccer match on the radio.
“After the soccer match ended at around 11.50pm, the four workmates parted ways to their respective sleeping places while the now deceased indicated that he was going home,” said Insp Msebele.
However, the following morning events took a tragic turn.
“At around 6.45am, one of his workmates reported for duty as usual, collected four mattresses and delivered them to customers in Bulawayo’s Central Business District using a pushcart,” she said.
After completing the deliveries, the workmate returned to the workplace at around 8.35am.
“Upon his return, he found other workmates and members of the public gathered at the shade. He then discovered
that the now deceased had hanged himself from a roof truss using a rope. He was showing no signs of life and the matter was reported to the police,” said Inspector Msebele.
Police attended the scene and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death are underway.
Inspector Msebele urged members of the public to seek help whenever they are overwhelmed by personal challenges.
“We urge members of the public to always speak out to their families, community leaders, counsellors or close friends whenever they feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges instead of suffering in silence,” she said.
She encouraged communities to look out for one another and support those who may be going through difficult times.
Bongani Ndlovu