The parents of a 15-year-old boy who died by suicide last week have placed their version of events on the record, describing him as happy, loving and full of life.

This follows an earlier report report about their son’s demise.

Vali Valentino Mwashekele a grade 10 learner  allegedly committed suicide last Wednesday at their Grysblock home. He was discovered by his mother, Ulrike Kakuenje, at around 07h00. Yesterday, the parents logged their consternation with this publication following the report.

Speaking after a meeting with the news editor, Valentino’s father, Pombili Mwashekele, said that, “Our son was a happy child. He was always smiling, laughing and playing with others. That is how we knew him.”

According to the family, there were no warning signs in the days or hours before the tragedy. 

Mwashekele said his son behaved normally and showed no signs of distress.

“On that day, he was just himself. He was laughing with his cousins, using his phone, watching the usual things young boys watch. There was nothing out of the ordinary,” he said.

The father said the family was together in the days leading up to the incident and that the boy appeared content at home.

“He used to sleep next to his mother. Even the night before, he went to his grandmother, ate there and then went to bed. Everything was normal,” the father said.

Mwashekele said the family does not know what may have been going through their son’s mind and stressed that there was no message or note left behind.

“He did not leave a note. He did not say anything to anyone. We honestly do not know what he was thinking. That is the painful part for us as parents,” he said.

The family said they decided to speak out so that their son would be remembered for who he was, not for assumptions surrounding his death.

“When people read things that suggest reasons, they think the family knows the cause of his action, of failing their son. But the truth is, we do not have those answers,” a distraught Mwashekele said.

He said the family feels it is important for the community to understand that the boy grew up in a caring environment.

“From grade zero up to grade nine, he went to school, he was supported, he was loved. He was not a child who was abandoned,” he said.

The family said they remain deeply affected by the loss and thanked those who have shown support during this difficult time.

“We are still grieving. We just want our son to be remembered as the joyful child he was,” he said.

-ljason@nepc.com.na