Swakopmund teen hangs herself

The Swakopmund community is reeling in shock after a grade 11 Namib High School learner committed suicide on the Swakopmund Primary School playground.

Her body was found by two other girls who wanted came to play on the playground.

The incident was confirmed in the weekend crime report issued by police public relations head, Deputy Commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi.

According to the crime report the girl was found hanging from the swing poles with a rope around her neck.









A suicide note was found in her denim pocket.

Erongo education director Erenfriede Stephanus said a special team of social workers has been sent the two schools to counsel the learners and calm the situation. “Death is a terrible thing. There are so many questions. She was so young with a bright future ahead. Why would she do it? These are the questions we are faced with. The children are traumatised at her school,” Stephanus said.

She added it is worrisome when a young person takes her own life.

She said the directorate is planning a dialogue for teenagers in the region, in order to get them to talk about their feelings and fears.

“I understand the young girl was not an outspoken child,” Stephanus added.

JEMIMA BEUKES