RESIDENTS in the mining town of Karoi were left shell-shocked after three people committed suicide on Monday this week amid concerns over drug and substance abuse among youths and women.
This follows the death of a young man who poisoned himself in Chiedza high- density suburb.
Although details are sketchy on why the man, a taxi driver, downed poison, it is suspected that social issues overwhelmed him, resulting in him taking poison.
His body was found the next morning.
According to sources, the taxi driver (name supplied) did not leave a suicide note.
Tragedy struck again during the same morning when a woman was found dead after she allegedly hanged herself in her room in Chikangwe high-density suburb.
A local resident said the woman committed suicide that morning.
“We understand she woke up at around 5am and fetched water before she hanged herself,” Agnes Mvuto, a neighbour, told NewsDay.
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The woman (name withheld) is survived by three children.
In another incident, a youthful mother of one, reportedly hanged herself late in the afternoon, leaving behind a two-year-old child.
ZRP Officer Commanding Hurungwe District, Superintendent Kezias Karuru confirmed the deaths saying investigations were underway.
“I can confirm that police are investigating three suicides in Karoi that occurred on Monday. Currently, I do not have much details, but one is from poison, while two are of hanging,” he said.
“We urge communities to assist in curbing drug and substance abuse as the two women victims were suspected to be taking drugs. Investigations are underway.”
Zimbabwe is grappling with increased drug and substance abuse, mostly among the youths, where the vice is reversing the gains of social networking and support.
According to the World Health Organisation, nearly 740 000 suicides are reported annually, translating to one death on average every 43 seconds.
The major causes of suicides include disjointed families, social and economic frustrations, loneliness and drug abuse, among others.
