Three men have killed themselves by hanging in separate incidents around Bulawayo in the space of just a few days, police have revealed.
Police identified two of the victims as 28-year-old Michael Gonye of Pumula South and 40-year-old Bongani Mahlobo of Hope Fountain. But the identity of the third man found hanging in a bushy area in Emakhandeni remains a mystery.
Asst Insp Nomalanga Msebele said the unidentified man was wearing a black jacket, khaki trousers and farmer’s shoes when he was found hanging from a tree by a passerby on July 15. Police are appealing for anyone missing a loved one to check with them.
Michael Gonye’s father found his son’s body hanging from the roof truss in their home on July 14. Bongani Mahlobo, who had just been released from Khami Prison, was discovered by his father hanging from the ceiling on July 15.
Insp Ncube urged people struggling with problems to seek help rather than take their own lives. “Resorting to suicide is not the answer,” he said.
The three tragedies come as a sh0ck to Bulawayo residents, raising concerns about the mental health of vulnerable groups and prompting calls for more support services. But for now the grieving families are left wondering what drove their loved ones to such desperation.
