Gweru – A Gweru-based police officer has tragically taken his own life after losing US$3,000 he had borrowed to play ‘Kandege’, the Aviator online game that has rapidly become a betting obsession for many Zimbabweans. Constable Claude Jele, stationed at the Development House in Gweru, consumed an unidentified poison on Sunday, leaving behind a suicide note detailing his despair.
The Aviator online game, developed by Spribe, is a social multiplayer game where players place bets on a plane that takes off and flies higher and higher. A multiplier counter starts as soon as the plane sets off, beginning from 1x and incrementing as time goes on. Although the plane flies indefinitely, it can still fly off at any time, and players must cash out their bets before that happens. There is no telling when the plane will fly off, adding to the intrigue of placing an Aviator bet and cashing out at the right moment.
Sources speaking to H-Metro revealed that Jele had lost US$3,000, which he had borrowed, by the time he took his life.
“Officer vakakwereta mari ikanyudzwa nekandege,” a source said. “Zvavaremera kudzosa uye kuwana counseling kwakuzvitorera upenyu,” which translates to “The officer borrowed money and lost it all to Kandege. He found it difficult to repay and couldn’t find counselling, so he took his own life.”
He acknowledged that his death would inflict severe pain and he asked for forgiveness from his family, urging people to avoid making false allegations against his wife. He attributed his suicide to his perceived failures in life.
Jele’s sister, Ms Siduhla Mwale, said she received a distress call informing her that her brother had consumed poison and was admitted to Gweru Provincial Hospital (GPH).
“I was in Chinhoyi when I was told that my brother was admitted to the hospital. I made plans to come and found him admitted in the Intensive Care Unit and the medical personnel were busy trying to save him,” she said.
Ms Mwale said she managed to ask Jele why he had decided to take his own life. “Since he had some tube in his mouth that was inserted to assist him breath he only opened his eyes and looked at me. I didn’t get any answers from him,” she narrated. Ms Mwale confirmed that her brother will be buried in Zaka in Masvingo Province.
The suicide note poignantly detailed his struggles, reflecting a sense of resignation and despair. “Having survived all these 38 years, I have reached a point where I feel like it’s all the same being on this earth or leaving,” he wrote. “So please do not accuse anyone or anything. It’s my personal decision to end my life this way.”
Jele also apologised to his family and urged them to move on despite the pain his decision would cause.
“I know you will be hurt, but I do not see a reason to keep living. I have failed,” he wrote in Shona. “Ganizani and Keisha, it will hurt you, but please forgive me. Grow up well, I have gone ahead.”
He reassured his wife that she should not blame herself for his actions, acknowledging that their relationship was strong. “Mai Keisha, do not think it is your fault. We were doing just fine,” he wrote.
Jele thoughtfully included the names and contact details of two people whom he wanted to be informed about his passing, demonstrating his concern for those he was leaving behind.
The tragic death of Constable Jele comes amidst growing concerns about the mental health implications of the burgeoning online betting craze in Zimbabwe. The Aviator game, also known as ‘Kandege’, has captured the imagination of tens of thousands of Zimbabweans, offering the allure of quick riches but also carrying the risk of significant financial losses.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another disturbing case, where Charles Chindundundu recorded himself consuming poison and posted it on WhatsApp, further highlighting the growing sense of desperation and hopelessness gripping the nation.
In his final video, Chindundundu said: “Sometimes life is just like this. We make decisions that seem right to us. Some people will be hurt, but they will heal.” He later updated his WhatsApp status to read: “Mission completed. Best decision ever. Soul leaving.”
The incident occurred on December 28, 2023, when Gonese, as a shift manager at a Bakers Inn outlet on Chinhoyi Street in Harare, was entrusted with a float of US$3,420. Instead of using the money for its intended purpose, Gonese diverted it to online betting via InnBucks deposits, hoping to significantly increase the amount through gambling on Aviator.
His gamble proved disastrous. By 3:08 am the following morning, Gonese confessed to Simbisa Bakers Inn audit manager, Mr Yusufu Bruce, that he had lost the entire sum, comprising US$470 in cash and a further US$2,950 in InnBucks deposits. Mr Bruce immediately conducted a reconciliation at the shop, confirming the full amount was missing. Nothing was recovered.
The recent spate of suicides and theft cases linked to online betting has sounded the alarm on the deepening mental health crisis and the potential for financial ruin, prompting widespread calls for increased awareness and the establishment of robust support systems to address the growing concern.
Midlands Provincial police spokesman Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko could not be reached for comment. Meanwhile, police officers of different ranks and units descended at Mtapa suburb to pay their last respects to their colleague. When this reporter visited the residence, the law enforcers were singing and dancing alongside community and church members. Jele’s sister said he will be buried in Zaka in Masvingo Province.
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