Online Reporter
Peter Matika
A 14-YEAR-OLD girl from Emakhandeni suburb in Bulawayo tragically took her own life by hanging following a dispute with her older sister.
Deputy Bulawayo police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu, confirmed the incident, identifying the deceased as Kwandumusa Faith Msimanga, a Form 1 pupil.
“On 3 September around 9 AM, Kwandumusa was playing with her younger brother, Mqhele, hitting each other with rolled calendars. Mqhele started crying, prompting their older sister to reprimand them,” said Asst Insp Ndlovu.
The scolding reportedly upset Kwandumusa, who stormed into the bedroom and locked the door.
“An hour later, her sister knocked, urging her to come out. Kwandumusa told her to look through the window, but the sister ignored her at first, thinking she was joking. When she finally checked, she was shocked to find her hanging from a roof truss,” said Asst Insp Ndlovu.
Neighbours rushed to the scene, broke the door down and cut the rope before attempting to revive her.
“Her father rushed her to Emakhandeni Clinic, but she was pronounced dead on arrival. Police recovered the rope used in the hanging, and no suicide note was found,” said Asst Insp Ndlovu.
The body was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for post-mortem.
Police have urged families to closely monitor and support children, especially when they show signs of distress.
