Man poisons children, hangs himself in bush

Zim Now Writer

A 37-year-old man from Maboleni allegedly poisoned his three children before hanging himself after an altercation with his wife over the sale of a cow, Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko has said.

The incident happened around 8pm last Friday. Bongani Mahole’s body was found hanging from a tree in a bush, a kilometre from his homestead by his wife Nomakhimbile Ncube, 33.

The three children aged 12, 8 and 7 are battling for life at Gweru Provincial Hospital.

Insp Mahoko said Mahole had an argument with Ncube over the sale of a cow, and after failing to resolve the matter, Ncube left the homestead and went to her parents’ homestead around 12 noon.

Mahole then allegedly prepared porridge for the children around 8pm and laced it with poison before leaving them at home alone as he went to hang himself in the bush.

A passer-by found the three children lying unconscious outside on the following day and he reported the matter at ZRP Maboleni.

The children were rushed to Gweru Provincial Hospital while Mahole’s body was found hanging from a tree in the bush on the same day by his wife, and the body was taken to the same hospital mortuary.

Insp Mahoko appealed to the public to consider counselling from community leaders whenever misunderstandings arise.

“We take this opportunity to reiterate our calls for the public to seek assistance from professional counsellors or community leaders whenever they encounter problems rather than committing suicide,” he said.