Tragically, a 12-year-old boy from Chisumbanje village in Zimbabwe died by suicide after losing a video game.
The Grade Seven boy, Kelvin Gwenzi, was left at home alone while his mother did laundry at the nearby Save River. When she returned, she discovered that Kelvin had hanged himself.
Reports indicate that Kelvin had stated he would hang himself if he lost the game against his younger siblings. Unfortunately, he lost and went into another room where he attempted what he thought was a suicide prank by hanging himself from a curtain thread. Tragically, his attempt was unsuccessful and he ended up dying by hanging.
Kelvin’s grandmother discovered the tragedy when she came to fetch water and was informed by Kelvin’s siblings. She reported the matter to the police who arrived at the scene. Kelvin’s body was taken to the hospital for an autopsy.
The community has been left in shock by the incident, with many questioning the impact of video games on children’s mental health. The Deputy Provincial Spokesperson confirmed the incident and urged parents to closely monitor their children’s gaming habits. This tragic event highlights the importance of paying attention to our children’s mental well-being and the content they engage with.
