Tragedy struck Denhere village, under Chief Chivero in Mhondoro, on 29 December 2024, with the discovery of a nine-year-old boy hanging from a tree. The deceased, identified by police as Malvern Runyararo, was found by a neighbour, 47-year-old Rodrick Andrea.
Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera, confirmed the incident. He expressed deep concern over the rising number of minors taking their own lives following disciplinary action from parents or guardians. This case, he highlighted, is part of a worrying trend.
Inspector Kohwera’s statement emphasised the gravity of the situation: “It is worrisome that the trend where minors take their lives after being corrected by their parents or guardians is increasing.”
The police are urging the public to engage in open dialogue with young people, stressing that suicide is never the answer to disciplinary measures. Instead, they should understand that parental correction aims to guide them towards becoming responsible adults and future leaders.
The police spokesperson’s appeal to the community is clear: “We appeal to the general public to counsel young people that considering taking one’s life after being corrected is not a solution; rather, they must understand that it is being done to make sure they become future leaders.”
