Zambia: A 53-year-old Headman of Nakubwe village in Mungaila Chiefdom, Namwala District committed suicide. The incident coincided with the nationwide celebration of Easter weekend and left the community in shock.
The deceased has been identified as Melvin Shingwe. According to the witnesses of the incident, the deceased had consumed a heavy drink of alcohol. After drinking he hubf himself to a tree using his shirt.
The village headman was found dead on Monday by one of the residents of a nearby village. The first witness was identified as Cliff Chipapa from Shimomba village. He informed the officials that he was travelling from Kasenga and heading to Maala village.
The Southern Province Commissioner of Police, Auxensio Daka confirmed the incident to the media. He shared an official police statement with several details about the incident.
According to the Southern Province Commissioner of Police, the incident is suspected to have occurred between Sunday and Monday from 22:00 to 05:30. The officer shared a detailed incident report.
“Shingwe got drunk he started to trip on himself while walking. The imbalance caused him to sustain several bruises on his way home.
He added that later on Monday, he was discovered dead by Cliff Chipapa of Shimomba village,
After discovering the dead body of the victim, Chipapa informed members of the nearby Village who quickly reported the matter to Police. The remains of the deceased are Namwala Hospital Mortuary and the family suspects no foul play in the incident.
The officials have opened an investigation into the matter. The country’s people disagree with the family’s assessment of no foul play.
They have suggested that if the victim was too drunk, it would be difficult for him to hang himself. Accordingly, they have called on the authorities to take the matter seriously.
The unfortunate incident happened around the auspicious occasion of Easter, which makes the tragedy all the more grave for the people. The people have extended their condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.