Let’s join hands and create hope - Aiyambo

We can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide, whether as a member of society, a parent, a friend, a colleague or someone with lived experience.

These are the sentiments of Oshana Region police community affairs officer, Inspector Thomas Aiyambo, who said we can all encourage understanding about suicide, reach out to people who are struggling and share our own experiences.

“We can all create hope through action and be the light,” he said.

If your mental or emotional state quickly deteriorates or you feel like you’re in crisis or despair, it is important to get help as soon as possible, he added.

While September is Suicide Prevention Month, police statistics show it is an issue that needs our attention all year round.

Just last week, a 26-year-old woman identified as Liezel Lucille Louw tragically died when she ran into a moving truck twice.

According to the police report, the incident took place on 20 September at about 16:00 on the Tsumeb-Otavi road about a kilometre from Tsumeb.

It is alleged the deceased ran into a moving Scania truck. The driver tried to avoid bumping her and swerved to the right, after which she reportedly ran into the trailer of the truck. The rear tyres ran over her and she died on the spot.

‘You are not alone’

Last Thursday morning, a 25-year-old man from Omakolombongo village in the Okaku constituency was found hanging in a tree by a rope.

"The deceased’s body was discovered hanging from a tree in the mahangu field by his mother," Aiyambo said.

No suicide note was left behind.

Incidents like these should be a reminder to Namibians that they are not alone, he said, adding that they should speak to someone they trust and share their problems, which can be the first step to recovery.

He urged people to seek a solution to their problems instead of opting for suicide.

“If a need arises, people should speak to a social worker, church leader, teacher or even a family member to save lives,” he said.

Shocked by friend’s suicide

Lovis Nghiwete, the owner of Lui Heavenly Spa, said she was shocked when she learnt about the passing of Louw, whom she had been friends with for six years.

“I was in shock, really, because she was a strong girl who would never speak about death or wanting to take her own life. Personally, I think [people who commit suicide are often] unemployed, thinking they are a burden to others.

“Nowadays, it’s the young ones. Social media makes us feel unworthy. We have children and when there is no income, we start to feel like we cannot take care of them and our families,” she said.

Nghiwete echoed Aiyambo’s sentiments that family members should be supportive of those experiencing thoughts of suicide, adding that Namibians should avoid demoralising unemployed people by calling them unpleasant names as they are already battling to find hope on a daily basis.