A relationship dispute has reportedly resulted in the death of a 29-year-old man in Livingstone, only hours after he spoke to family members about emotional challenges involving his girlfriend.
The deceased, identified as Boyd Ngenda of Linda Compound, was said to have been distressed following unresolved disagreements within the relationship.
Police state that the incident happened yesterday around 16:00 hours. Earlier that morning, Ngenda visited his grandmother in Dambwa Site and Service, where he shared thoughts about ending his life connected to the troubled relationship. Despite his grandmother’s attempts to comfort and advise him, he later left her home.
Later in the day, Ngenda was reportedly seen at Dambwa Central Market, where he is alleged to have bought a chemical substance. Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo said that at about 16:00 hours, a neighbour in Linda Compound encountered Ngenda carrying the substance along with a bottle of beer, during which he again expressed intentions to harm himself.
At approximately 16:40 hours, the same neighbour reportedly found Ngenda lying unresponsive a few metres from his residence and alerted authorities.
“Police officers who arrived at the scene observed no visible physical injuries on the body, which had been drenched by heavy rainfall in the area. Further statements indicated that the deceased had a known history of previous attempts to end his life,” Namalongo said.
He added that the body has been taken to Livingstone University Teaching Hospital Batoka Mortuary for a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Police have since opened an inquiry into the incident.
