Three Suicides In One Day Leave Karoi Grieving, Demanding Answers
Three residents of Karoi—two women and a young man died by suicide on Monday in separate incidents that occurred within hours of each other, leaving the agricultural town in mourning and raising urgent concerns over drug abuse and mental health struggles among vulnerable groups.
The first tragedy unfolded in Chiedza high-density suburb, where a young taxi driver allegedly consumed poison.
His body was discovered the following morning, and although no suicide note was found, sources close to the case believe he may have been overwhelmed by personal and social pressures.
Residents described him as quiet and withdrawn in the days leading up to his death.
Just hours later, in Chikangwe high-density suburb, a woman reportedly hanged herself in her room shortly after fetching water.
Neighbours say she had followed her usual morning routine before the incident.
“We understand she woke up at around 5am and fetched water before she hanged herself,” said Agnes Mvuto, a neighbour, speaking to NewsDay.
The woman, whose name has been withheld, is survived by three children.
Later that afternoon, a youthful mother of one also allegedly took her own life by hanging, leaving behind a two-year-old child.
The circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation, but the emotional toll on the community has been profound.
Residents say the mood in Karoi shifted instantly, with many struggling to process the sudden wave of loss.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Officer Commanding Hurungwe District, Superintendent Kezias Karuru, confirmed the three deaths and said inquiries were underway.
“I can confirm that police are investigating three suicides in Karoi that occurred on Monday. Currently, I do not have much details, but one is from poison, while two are of hanging,” he said.
Karuru also pointed to drug and substance abuse as a possible contributing factor in the women’s deaths.
He urged communities to take a more active role in addressing the issue.
“We urge communities to assist in curbing drug and substance abuse as the two women’s victims were suspected to be taking drugs. Investigations are underway,” he added.
Zimbabwe continues to face a growing crisis of drug dependency, particularly among young people.
Health experts warn that the trend is eroding family structures and weakening mental health support systems.
According to the World Health Organisation, nearly 740,000 suicides are reported globally each year—equivalent to one death every 43 seconds.
Contributing factors often include fractured families, economic hardship, loneliness, and addiction.
In Karoi, the grief is raw and the silence deafening.
As families mourn and children face uncertain futures, the community is left asking what more can be done to prevent such tragedies and how many others may be suffering in silence.
