WITHHELD RESULTS SUSPECTED AS FORM III PUPIL COMMITS SUICIDE

NHLANGANO – The Simelane family of KaMzizi is in mourning after the tragic death of their 17-year-old daughter, Phetsile Mbali Mkhwanazi. Phetsile, a Form III pupil at Nzongomane High School in the Shiselweni Region, died after ingesting a harmful substance. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, and is believed to be linked to the withholding of her exam results due to an overdue library book. Phetsile’s aunt, Nomthandazo Sibandze, spoke with this publication about the devastating loss.  

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While not present at the time, Sibandze received a call from Phetsile’s mother, who was rushing her daughter to the hospital. “She told me she didn’t know what was wrong, only that foam was coming out of Phetsile’s mouth and nose,” Sibandze recounted. Sibandze explained that the family is struggling to understand what led Phetsile to take such drastic action. “She had not confided in us about any problems,” Sibandze said. “All we know is that she went to school on Monday to collect her Form III results, which she had failed. The school told her she couldn’t receive them until she paid for a lost library book.”

According to Sibandze, Phetsile’s mother had gone to town, leaving Phetsile with her younger sister and a cousin.  Later, when Phetsile’s mother called them to meet her, Sibandze believes Phetsile ingested the harmful substance. Sibandze said that Phetsile collapsed in the yard, shortly after leaving to meet her mother. She collapsed again while trying to get up.  Though the family members did not immediately notice her, Phetsile called out her younger sister for help in a frail voice.  

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Although her sister didn’t hear her, a cousin in a nearby house heard and rushed to Phetsile’s aid. “By then, foam was coming out of her mouth and nose,” Sibandze said.  Phetsile was rushed to Nhlangano Health Centre but died en route.This tragedy underscores the growing concern about Eswatini’s high suicide rate.  The World Health Organisation (WHO) data shows Eswatini’s suicide mortality rate (29.4 per 100 000 in 2019) is far higher than the global average of 9.2.  The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has reported a further increase, with approximately 110 cases between January and August 2024, compared to 97 in the same period in 2023 – a 13.4 per cent rise.  
REPS data also indicates that men are disproportionately affected and that individuals aged 25 and above are most at risk.

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While details of individual cases are often not released, media reports frequently cite financial pressures, relationship problems and lack of support as contributing factors. The incident was confirmed by Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help.  You can contact relevant local resources, e.g., mental health hotlines, support groups and REPS.

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