Parents urged to open communication channels to prevent child suicide
Providence Moyo
Filabusi, Zimbabwe – Parents and guardians have been urged to foster open communication with their children to prevent tragic cases of child suicide.
This plea comes following the heartbreaking death of a 9-year-old boy from Thandanani Village who took his own life by hanging, last week.
Phumulani Mpofu, the director of the Matabeleland Council for the Welfare of the Child (MCWC), emphasized the importance of open dialogue in preventing such incidents. “Open channels of communication between parents and children can help identify and address underlying issues that may contribute to suicidal thoughts,” Mpofu stated in an exclusive interview with Community Podium.
The young boy, whose name has not been released, reportedly hanged himself using an electric cable tied to a pole. At the time of the tragic event, the child was unsupervised, as his parents had gone to fetch water.
According to reports, the boy’s younger sibling discovered the distressing scene and alerted their parents. Despite their desperate attempts to save their son, it was too late. The boy had already passed away.
Inspector Loveness Mangena, the Matabeleland South Provincial Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident when contacted for comment. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” Mangena said. “We urge parents to be vigilant and ensure their children’s safety.”
As the community mourns the loss of the young boy, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for parents and guardians to prioritize open communication and mental health support for their children.
