Another Harare Man Commits Suicide After A $500 Sports Betting Loss

Manyepo, an enthusiastic sports bettor, placed a $500 wager on Manchester City to win their Club World Cup match against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal. Contrary to expectations, the English champions suffered a shocking 4-3 defeat in extra time.

This unexpected result proved catastrophic for Manyepo, who had borrowed the entire stake money from a friend.

ALSO READ: Kudzayi Slams Mahere’s US$100K Court Win, Alleges Fraud and Judicial Misconduct

Harare Man Commits Suicide After Sports Bet Loss

Unable to face the consequences of his loss, Manyepo took his own life just days after the match. Investigations revealed he had told his creditor the money was for his mother’s medical treatment at Parirenyatwa Hospital.

The lender, Lloyd Pikiri, expressed profound regret, stating:

“I feel like I killed a friend. He presented such a convincing story about his mother’s CT scan needs.”

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi noted that suicide cases require thorough investigation, especially when families don’t report them. Zimbabwe’s suicide rate stands at 17.34% according to World Bank data, with gambling-related cases becoming increasingly common.

Betting: A Growing National Crisis

Manyepo’s story isn’t isolated. In 2019, a Chinhoyi man killed himself after losing $600 gambling. Recently, a Harare man collapsed after losing $724 on the popular Aviator game. Even white-collar workers aren’t immune, as shown by a Baker’s Inn manager who stole $3,420 from his workplace to feed his gambling habit.

ALSO READ: Alick Macheso Worried As Sickness and Misfortunes Hit Veteran Band Members

Psychologist Kudakwashe Mchena explains:

“Gambling addiction mirrors substance abuse – it requires professional psychological intervention.”

Media personality Rebecca Chisamba criticised the trend, calling such acts “selfish” and emphasising that “betting has no guaranteed formula.”