Omusati regional police spokesperson Warrant-Officer Lineekela Shikongo has urged people to be on the lookout for suicidal signs among family members and friends to prevent such deaths.
Shikongo was speaking telephonically to New Era on Sunday after a 54-year-old man hanged himself with a rope in his room at Oniimwandi village near Tsandi in the Omusati Region on Friday.
Shikongo said a suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn’t mean that help is not wanted.
“Most people who commit suicide don’t want to die, they just want to stop hurting. Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, you might be afraid to bring up the subject. But talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life,” said Shikongo.
Shikongo further said three people had already died this month in the region from suicide.
The regional police spokesperson said people are likely to commit suicide if they complain of feelings of hopelessness as well as have episodes of sudden rage and anger.
“Some people can act recklessly and engage in risky activities with an apparent lack of concern about the consequences, as well as talk about feeling trapped, such as saying they can’t see any way out of their current situation. Approach them and consult the church leaders and community counsellor for them to get help,” he said.
Shikongo advised that if one notices any of the mentioned warning signs in a friend, relative or loved one, they must encourage them to talk about how they are feeling.
Shikongo said Shivute Amadhila hung himself on Friday afternoon at his homestead and his body was discovered around 15h00 by his relatives .
According to Shikongo the deceased was last seen on Friday morning by his housemates.
No suicide note was left.