A TEACHER from Magwegwe North suburb in Bulawayo was found
hanging from a tree in a suspected suicide.
It is not clear why, Ntabiso Sibanda (54), a teacher at
Sabelo Primary School in Inyathi, Bubi District of Matabeleland North could
have killed himself, on Saturday afternoon.
Two boys who were searching for firewood near Magwegwe
Sewerage Treatment plant discovered his lifeless body hanging from a tree. The
Chronicle on Monday visited his family at his Magwegwe North where mourners are
gathered.
His younger brother, Mr Bonisani Sibanda said the family
was in the dark on why he could have committed suicide and are looking for
answers.
“He was an out of home teacher as you might be aware. He
was not always around for us to assess if he was facing any problems. But when
he was around us, we didn’t note anything amiss with him. We are also searching
for answers as we are in the dark on what could have led him to end his life,”
he said.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said
investigations into Sibanda’s death were underway.
“We received a sudden death case where a 54-year-old man
was found hanging from a tree in a bush in Magwegwe North suburb. The deceased
is a teacher at Sabelo Primary school in Inyathi. He was found by two boys who
were out looking for firewood. The boys
informed elders before the matter was reported to the police who retrieved his
body,” said Insp Ncube.
He said Sibanda’s body was taken to the United Bulawayo
Hospitals (UBH) for post mortem.
Insp Ncube urged residents to seek counselling if they are
facing challenges, instead of ending their lives.
“It’s unfortunate that a life has been lost. We strongly
appeal to members of the public who might be going through personal issues to
consult and seek counselling services to solve some of their problems. Ending one’s life is not a solution,” said
Insp Ncube.
Matabeleland North acting Provincial Education Director Mr
Jabulani Mpofu said he was not informed of Sibanda’s death.
“I haven’t received any communication regarding this. I
will make a follow-up on the issue. But since this did not happen at our
school, information may take time to reach us,” said Mr Mpofu.
The 2019 Friendship Bench Services, African Mental Health
Research Initiative report (AMARI) revealed recently revealed that more than
100 000 Zimbabweans suffering from depression and anxiety sought health care
last year.
Depression is said to be one of the major causes of
suicide. Chronicle
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