Leandra Police concerned about a spike in suicides
Sipho Mahlangu, The Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairman said he nearly took his life after his divorce.
LEANDRA – The police in Leandra are concerned about the staggering number of suicides in their area.
They decided to use the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign to get an understanding of what drives so many people in their community to suicide.
A suicide talk show was held at Difa Nkosi Community Hall on November 28, where some residents talked about their life experiences.
The Leandra Police spokesperson, Constable Nontobeko Ngubeni, said the police are investigating more suicide dockets than any other criminal cases. Ngubeni said most of the suicides in their community are by men and young people.
She told parents should refrain from comparing their children and creating competition between siblings.
ALSO READ: Sanral takes responsibility for section of Nelson Mandela Drive in Standerton
Sipho Mahlangu, The Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairman, said he nearly took his life after his divorce.
“There was a time when I nearly drank poison to take my life. If it was not for my friend who came in before I consumed the poison, I would have added to the stats.
“I tried to hide the poison, but my friend noticed that something was not right. He began talking about life’s challenges among men and that was when I realised I had made a wrong decision.
“At first, I was not aware that I have depression because I thought everything was normal,” he said.
Mlangeni said there was a time when he wanted to be alone without noise or among people. He was easily irritated. He encouraged men to speak out about their challenges in life.
