Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu
A CLOUD of sorrow hangs over Empandeni West Village in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South, after a 35-year-old man took his own life following complaints of severe stomach pain.
Gugulombumbi Ncube, who lived at his mother’s homestead in Ward 13, reportedly shared supper with his family on 27 July. Shortly after, he complained of stomach pain and retired to his room around 8PM.
The following morning, at around 6AM, his elder brother, Obedingwa Ncube (40), went to check on him.
After getting no response to repeated knocks, he peered through the window and was met with a harrowing sight; his brother hanging from the roof truss of his room.
A devastated Obedingwa quickly raised alarm and alerted their mother, Gertrude Ncube. Police were called to the scene, and the body was later ferried to Plumtree District Hospital mortuary, where a post-mortem will be conducted.
Mangwe Rural District Councillor for Ward 1, Nhlanhla Regis Ncube, confirmed the incident and expressed deep concern over the growing number of suicides in the area.
“This is now the fourth suicide case recorded in Wards 1 and 13,” he said. “What’s troubling is that it’s only men taking their own lives. We have been campaigning against suicide, but it seems our efforts are falling on deaf ears. We are now planning to involve church committees to help raise awareness and offer spiritual and emotional support.”
Police spokesperson for Matabeleland South, Inspector Chiratidzo Dube, also confirmed the incident and urged the public to stay vigilant.
“We encourage relatives and friends to pay attention to signs of distress, such as mood changes, withdrawal, or talk of hopelessness,” she said.
Insp Dube added that anyone feeling mentally overwhelmed should seek help from qualified mental health professionals.
