Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, Deputy Echo Editor
A 16-year-old girl from Nguboyenja suburb in Bulawayo committed suicide by drinking poison after discovering that she had failed her 2025 O-Level examinations.
The Ministry of Primary and Seconday Education last week Friday announced the release of the O’level results and candidates accessed their results on the Zimsec online portal.
In a statement, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed receiving a report of sudden death by poisoning in which a 16-year-old female juvenile of Nguboyenja, Bulawayo, took her own life after discovering that she had failed her November 2025 Ordinary Level results.
Inspector Msebele said the incident occurred on Friday last week at around 9pm after the girl checked her results on the ZIMSEC portal.
“Upon discovering that she only passed two subjects out of seven subjects, she was devastated and started crying. After a while she calmed down, rushed to the kitchen where she took an insecticide inside a cupboard which was bought for killing cockroaches and drank it,” said Inspector Msebele.
She said while the girl was drinking the substance, she was seen by one of her cousins who screamed and quickly snatched the insecticide, at the same time alerting others to what had happened.
“Her cousins tried to render first aid by giving her milk and charcoal. She was rushed to Mpilo Hospital where she passed on while being admitted. A police report was made,” said Inspector Msebele.
She urged young people to always speak out to parents, teachers, counsellors or close friends whenever they feel emotionally overwhelmed, adding that taking one’s own life is not a solution.
“We also urge parents not to keep pesticides, poisons or toxic chemicals within reach of children,” said Inspector Msebele.
