Woman takes her own life because of lockdown regulations

No foul play is investigated.

According to Sgt. Frans Maponya, Bela-Bela-police spokesperson, a handgun was found next to her body inside a room of the dwelling she shares with her family.

The deceased was identified as Benise Hillbrook (59).

Her husband, Peter, who is the owner of the lodge, told The Post that her death was a result of the current lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I heard the shot and found her inside the house. I will not be able to fully come to terms with what happened,” he said.

He stated that Benise had recently undergone back surgery in Gauteng to improve her living conditions and to alleviate the pain she endured. She experienced high levels of stress.

The lockdown, coupled with the fact that she was a heavy smoker and not able to buy cigarettes might have contributed to her contemplating suicide, he said. She was also on bed rest to recover after her surgery.

Peter said that after the surgery all seemed well at first.

“She, like all of us, had been experiencing cabin fever due to the lockdown and she especially missed the children staying in Gauteng.”

The fact that Benise smoked heavily and her supply was slowly running out, had in the days before her death become an issue to her, he said.

Despite President Cyril Ramaphosa stating that people will be allowed to buy cigarettes as of Friday 1 May, government kept the prohibition in place.

“She told me that she would rather die than to give up smoking. I cannot see any other reason for her taking her own life, but she had run out of her supply the day before,” he said.

“I just wish government would allow the sale of cigarettes to continue because there are a lot of people struggling with the addiction. Government should take cognisance of this fact as the future problems will be far worse than Covid-19,” he said.

Peter said he is in the process of arranging his wife’s burial, but it will be a challenge because of the restrictions placed on holding and attending funerals.

“I cannot think of my well-being at this time. I have a stepson, who was staying with us, to take care of. I have no choice but to carry on.”

Maponya said that the police are not suspecting any foul play at this stage.

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