Youth suicide surge in rural Zululand
At Somkhele alone, five youths aged eight to 18 committed suicide this year.
POLICE in KwaMsane have become increasingly concerned with the frequent suicides of children and teenagers in the area.
This year alone, five youngsters at the Somkhele Reserve in KwaMsame have committed suicide by hanging, the youngest of whom was only eight years old.
Last Tuesday, an 11-year-old was found hanging inside her family home in Somkhele and last Sunday an 18-year-old’s lifeless body was found the same way in Hlabisa.
‘Parents must be sensitive and aware of their children’s issues and address them sympathetically,’ said KwaMsane SAPS spokesperson, Captain Jabulani Mdletshe.
‘We have seen suicide cases for youngsters ranging from the age of eight to 18 with parents almost always saying they do not know why their children ended their lives.
‘It is definitely a huge problem in this area.’
Two weeks ago, a 13-year-old also hanged herself in Richards Bay.
LifeLine Chairman, Dave Savides said when youths seem clinically depressed, intervention is vital.
‘Teens do not commit suicide because they want to die – they do it because they do not want to live.
‘Just knowing someone is there to talk to, can make a critical difference.
‘Teenagers experience every emotion at more than double the level adults do.’
Concerned community members can contact LifeLine on 035 7892472.
