A family in Mabutweni, Bulawayo, has been plunged into unimaginable grief after their 16-year-old son was discovered dead in his bedroom. The tragedy unfolded just hours after a minor family disagreement concerning a planned trip to the rural areas, leaving the community in a state of shock and disbelief.
Police have officially confirmed the sudden death of Keith Mhlambeni. The incident began on the evening of 20 November, when Keith’s 71-year-old grandmother, who had recently arrived from South Africa, sat down for dinner with her grandsons.
A Seemingly Simple Request
During the meal, the grandmother informed the boys that they would be accompanying her to her rural home of Mbembesi for farming work. According to the official police statement, this announcement did not sit well with Keith. Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele detailed the events, stating the following.
“This did not go well with the deceased who refused to accompany her and they later retired to bed.”
What seemed like a simple, if unwelcome, family chore quickly escalated into an unthinkable outcome. The family retired for the evening, unaware of the turmoil the teenager was experiencing.
A Tragic Morning Discovery
The following morning, on 21 November, the full extent of the situation became horrifyingly clear. Keith’s 16-year-old cousin entered his room at around 6 AM to clean. She found him awake but still wrapped in his blankets. He told her he needed “enough time to rest.”
When she returned at 8 AM to check on him again, he was unresponsive. The cousin immediately raised the alarm, alerting their grandmother. The elderly woman rushed to the room and made the devastating discovery that Keith was lifeless. Inspector Msebele described the scene.
“There were traces of vomit stained with blood which shows that he might have ingested poison. A police report was made and the body was conveyed to Mpilo Central Hospital for post mortem.”
A Plea To The Youth
The shocking death has shocked the community, prompting. The police have used this tragic incident to issue a heartfelt plea to teenagers who may be feeling overwhelmed. Inspector Msebele emphasised the importance of communication and valuing life.
“We urge young people to value their lives and to speak out whenever they feel stressed, pressured or misunderstood as taking one’s life does not solve anything it only brings pain and stress to those left behind.”
The family is now left to mourn a life cut short.
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The post Bulawayo Teen, 16, Kills Self After Disagreement Over Going On Rural Areas Trip appeared first on iHarare News.
