10-Year-Old Bulawayo Girl Left With Uncle Commits Suicide

The city of Bulawayo has been left devastated after 10-year-old girl, Nomvelo Phumuzile Mqhele, reportedly commits suicide by hanging in her family’s home in Pumula South after her uncle, who was babysitting, left the house for a few minutes.

This shocking incident has raised alarms about child safety and mental health, mainly as it occurred around the same time as the belated observance of World Mental Health Day, typically celebrated on October 10.

Details of the Incident

According to police reports, Nomvelo had been left under the care of her 18-year-old uncle. He had briefly stepped out to visit some friends, leaving her and a younger sibling at home. Upon his return, he made the horrifying discovery of Nomvelo’s lifeless body hanging from a roof truss. The unsettling scene also included a two-year-old toddler who was found crying nearby.

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Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, deputy police spokesperson for Bulawayo, stated that the young girl had used a rope, a plastic chair, and an empty 20-litre container to facilitate the hanging. Despite the tragic circumstances, no visible injuries were found on her body, and no suicide note was recovered at the scene, making the reasons for her actions unclear.

Call for Greater Vigilance and Mental Health Awareness

This heartbreaking event has prompted the police to issue a public plea to parents and guardians. Authorities emphasized the critical need for closer monitoring and open communication with children, highlighting the importance of identifying early signs of distress or potential mental health challenges.

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With children facing increasing pressures in today’s world, the call for mental health awareness and proactive intervention is more urgent than ever. Just recently, a Grade 7 pupil committed suicide after being reprimanded by her mother to study more.

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