ZRP High School learner dies in suspected suicide

Audrey Galawu

An upper sixth student from the Zimbabwe Republic Police High School is believed to have committed suicide at the school yesterday (Monday) in the late afternoon.

“The ZRP confirms the tragic and unfortunate death of an upper sixth student, Prince Tawonezvi,18, at ZRP High School on 13 March at 1700 hours,” the police said in a statement.

According to the police, it appears that Tawonezvi committed suicide but investigations are still under away.

In another case, a Form One pupil at a private school in Luveve suburb, Bulawayo, hanged herself on Sunday evening in the presence of her 8-year-old sister.

The three children including a 19 year old brother who said the deceased was an ever smiling personality and did not leave a suicide note.

Several students were reported to have committed suicide in Zimbabwean schools in 2022 including three at a Chegutu school, one from a Harare school and an 18 year old learner at St Faith’s High School in Manicaland.

Online sources attribute failure to fit in, academic pressure, bullying, drug abuse and lack of non-judgemental emotional support as being some of the drivers of teen suicide.