Nkosentsha Khumalo
Police in Bulawayo are investigating a tragic incident in which a 10 year old child took her own life by hanging in Pumula South surburb.
According to a statement issued by the Press and Public Relations Officer, Nomalanga Msebele, the child, identified the now deceased as Nomvelo Phumuzile Mqhele, was found hanging by her uncle after he returned home to collect a jacket.
The 18 year old uncle, who was not named in the statement, reportedly left the 10 year old child in charge of her 2 year old cousin while he went to visit friends on October 16th, 2024.
Upon his return to collect his jacket, he heard the toddler crying in the bedroom and discovered the body of his niece hanging from a roof truss.
It is believed that she had used a rope, a black plastic chair, and an empty white 20 litre container to climb up and reach the roof truss.
No injuries were found on the body of the 10 year old and no suicidal note was discovered, according to the police statement.
In the aftermath of the tragic discovery, the uncle is said to have immediately alerted the neighbours, who in turn called the deceased child’s mother.
The police were then notified and arrived at the scene, where they conducted a search of the body but found no injuries and nor note indicating any reason for the child’s action.
The Bulawayo Police has urged parents to be vigilant in monitoring their children’s behavior and emotions, emphasizing the importance of open and supportive communication.
In a statement issued by Assistant Inspector Msebele, the police urged parents to always monitor their children and listen to them so as to detect early and take action if there are any problems to avoid such incidents.
Zim GBC News ©2024