Hillbrow man commits suicide
HILLBROW - An elderly man jumped to his death from the Ponte City Apartments building in Hillbrow, police said.
The 55-year-old man jumped from the 33rd floor of the 54-storey building. Built in 1975, it is the tallest residential building on the African continent. The cylinder-shaped building offers a 360 degree view of the city and has 470 flats.
A relatively high but unconfirmed number of people have jumped from the building, plunging to their deaths.
Police spokesperson Constable Thabo Malatji said the man was certified dead on the scene. He said the incident happened in the early hours of 13 January. It is unknown why the man jumped, however an inquest docket has been registered and is being investigated by Hillbrow police.
Spokesperson at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, Meryl da Costa said the main contributing factor to suicide was undiagnosed and untreated depression. She added that there are 23 completed suicides and a further 230 attempted suicides every 24 hours in South Africa.
“Many factors can contribute – such as relationships, family issues, unemployment, poverty, chronic illness, death, economic status, loss of income, HIV status, poverty and stress,” she said. “However those are only some of the high-risk factors.
“Each case is individual and other factors can play an important contributing role and/or influence.”
Warning signs include talking about suicide, feeling deeply depressed, isolation, showing sudden lift in spirits, preparation for death by making unexpected changes to a will, or giving away personal possessions and showing changes in personality.
Da Costa said men were five times more likely to successfully commit suicide than women. “Men use more aggressive methods. However, women are more likely to attempt suicide by using pills and poisons,” she explained.
She said people who noticed suicidal behaviour should talk to the person and seek help.
“[A professional] will give you advice on what you should do, where to go and what action to take. You can also SMS Sadag on 31393 and a counsellor will call you back,” said Da Costa.
Details: 0800 21 22 23, www.sadag.org
