Child suicide deaths worry MP

ZVIMBA North legislator Cde Marian Chombo has expressed concern at the deaths of schoolchildren, mostly through suicide, in the constituency.

She revealed that 18 children have died in Zvimba District since the beginning of the year and urged teachers, parents and guardians to take care of their young ones.

Some of the children, she said, committed suicide after failing to cope with different forms of abuse at home.

Of the 18 children who died, 15 were at primary school level, while the other three were in secondary school.

According to statistics from the district, 28 children were sexually abused, while 10 were neglected and the other seven were victims of physical abuse.

One of the children experienced emotional abuse.

Speaking at the Zvimba District Better Schools Programme for Zimbabwe awards held in Mutorashanga recently, Cde Chombo said children who faced any form of abuse were likely to commit suicide.

“I am reliably informed of a worrisome number of our children who are experiencing abuse in this district,” she said.

“I am encouraging all you parents and teachers to be responsible for these children. Any form of abuse maybe a serious contributory factor to these deaths.”

Mashonaland West provincial education acting director Mr Gabriel Mhumha also warned teachers who violated children’s rights.

“There are reports that some teachers are abusing learners, and let me take this opportunity to warn them that we will not hesitate to bring all offenders to book,” he said.