13 Sep 2017

During her 11-year marriage to Dirang, her university sweetheart, Masego never cheated on him, but in 2016 she cheated on her longtime lover. They were caught in the act and Dirang killed his wife before turning the gun on himself.

Dirang’s suicide made headlines in local newspapers and became international news.

Every year people die, not from any disease, but by taking their own lives. The crime is now among the three leading causes of death across the societal divide and different age groups and gender. Most of the victims kill themselves over love affair disputes.

The Encyclopaedia defines suicide as an “irrational desire to die.” “Irrational” in the sense that no matter how bad a person’s life is, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

Researchers have found that suicide is a symptom and sign of serious depression. Depression is a treatable disorder, but often the treatment takes time, energy and effort.

Statistics from Botswana Police Service indicate that 174 people have already committed suicide since the beginning of the year, as compared to 199 similar registered cases during the same period last year.

Botswana police public relations officer, Assistant Commissioner Witness Boseja said after years of increasing, the suicide rate in the country has been declining.

He said although all age groups showed a decrease.

He explained that despite efforts to give psychosocial support to would-be victims, people continued to commit suicide.

He said the police together with various stakeholders such as church leaders, social workers and traditional leaders were committed to continue with the public education drive to sensitise people about suicide.

Assistant Commissioner Boseja reasoned that any challenge marked the beginning of a new life, and advised people to share their problems with others to avoid killing themselves.

He said the police used different platforms to interact with the general public in addressing issues of suicides. ENDS