Minor’s suicide a bitter pill for family to swallow
On the morning of November 4, residents and ANC members led by the executive mayor of Nkomazi, Cllr Thulisile Khoza, visited a grieving family.
HHOYI – On the morning of November 4, residents and ANC members led by the executive mayor of Nkomazi, Cllr Thulisile Khoza, visited a grieving family.
This follows the suicide of 17-year-old Vuyisiwa Mkhonto, who stood in front of an oncoming train on October 31. According to the Tonga police spokesman, Lt Mzwandile Nyambi, the young girl was found with a suicide note in her hand by community members, who then alerted the police.
“What we were able to deduct from the suicide letter when we got to the scene is that she was unhappy about the conditions at home. She stated in the letter that her family used to accuse her of things she was not guilty of,” explained Nyambi.
She added that this wasn’t the first incident in this area as there have been a number of suicide attempts by other community members. Speaking during the visit, Khoza said the tragic event had been brought people closer to one another.
“You may be wondering what has brought all these people here today, we are here this morning to say to you that what has befallen you is no longer your own to bear, but it is for all of us. When we give birth to children and raise them, we look to them as the leaders of tomorrow. This is why when such things happen, we are all puzzled and scared. What has happened here has touched the hearts of everyone you see today, what has happened has made us all family.”
Khoza encouraged the family members to give all their question to the Lord in prayer.
“Regardless of the situation, we plead with you to know that it is the plan of the almighty. That which has happened wasn’t for you, it was beyond your own might. If you were to call upon the train driver and ask him what Vuyisiwa was doing, despite attempts to hoot and wave at her. Reports say the child just smiled and laughed, which is a sign that she was no longer with us on earth, but at home with her maker (sic).
“Know that even at this difficult time you are not alone. We are here today as a municipality to say to you, that what has befallen you has not you fallen on you, but on us as well.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms Anna Nkosi said, “We appreciate all the words of encouragement that we have received, from both the churches and the executive mayor. There is not very much that we can say as a family because at this point our minds are also still confused and trying to make sense of this dark cloud which has befallen us. Thank you very much to everyone who came to offer words of encouragement to us at this very trying time.”
The Nkomazi Local Municipality has already started looking into ways of making the railway much safer.
