Suicide not the way to go, says council

HHOYI – In a bizarre and unusual incident in this area, a 17-year-old girl in the Nkomazi subregion was hit and killed by a train in what is said to be a suicide.

According to the Tonga police spokesperson, Lt Mzwandile Nyambi the young girl was found with a suicide note in her hand.

Nyambi told this paper that her lifeless body was found by community members who then alerted the police.

“What we were able to deduct from the suicide letter when we got to the scene is that she complained about the situation at home.
“She stated that her family used to accuse her of things she was not guilty of.”

He confirmed that this wasn’t the first incident in this area as there have been a number of suicide attempts by other community members.

The Nkomazi Local Municipality has since visited the family of the deceased where they made a call to people to refrain from resorting to such practices.”We are very disturbed about this incident and our executive mayor has already met with the police in a bid to find ways of monitoring the railway line and educating our communities against such acts.

“Above all, we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to
the family of the young girl,” said Nkomazi spokesman, Mr Cyril Ripinga.
He said the mayor, Cllr Thulisile Khoza visited the area and the family concerned and together with her council will look into improving safety at the railway line.

The family representative, Ms Anna Nkosi, said, “We appreciate all the words of encouragement that we have received, from both the churches and the executive mayor. There is not very much that we can say as a family because at this point our minds are also still confused and trying to make sense of this dark cloud which has befallen us. Thank you very much to everyone who saw it befitting to come and offer words of encouragement to us at this very trying time.”