A 30-YEAR-OLD HIV positive woman from Lupane allegedly
committed suicide by throwing herself into a 22-metre deep well at her parents’
homestead when her condition worsened after defaulting on her Anti-Retroviral
(ARV) treatment.
Acting Matabeleland North police spokesperson, Sergeant
Namatirai Mashona, confirmed the incident which took place at Mr Toffee Gumpo’s
homestead in Mateteni Village under Chief Mabhikwa on Tuesday last week.
Sgt Mashona said according to the family, the now deceased
identified as Geli Gumpo had been sick for some time after defaulting on
her medication. She said goodbye to her mother Ms Simani Sibanda before
jumping into the well.
“On 27 August, Geli Gumpo, who was seriously ill after
defaulting on ARV medication, was at home with her mother Ms Simani Sibanda and
father Mr Toffee Gumpo. They all retired to their separate bedroom huts at 9PM.
“On the 28th of August at 1AM, Mr Gumpo heard some noise
from the direction of the kitchen where the deceased was sleeping and asked his
wife to go and investigate,” said Sgt Mashona.
She said Ms Sibanda went out to check and found her daughter
standing near the well which is about 15 metres away from the kitchen hut.
Ms Sibanda reportedly asked Geli what she was doing at the
well. She reportedly responded by saying: “Lisale kuhle mama (goodbye mother)”
before allegedly jumping into the well in full view of her shocked mother.
“Geli Gumpo immediately jumped into the 22-metre deep well
and drowned,” said Sgt Mashona.
Ms Sibanda alerted her husband who then informed
neighbours. A report was made to the police who attended the scene. Police retrieved the body on Wednesday with the help of
some villagers.
Lupane resident magistrate Mr Ndumo Masuku waived
post-mortem as no foul play was suspected.
Gumpo was buried at her parents’ homestead on Thursday last
week Herald.
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