The rate of suicide in Namibia continues to rise, with law-enforcement authorities announcing eight new cases and four murders over the previous week. 

In the latest crime report, the police reported a 26-year-old man died at Tsintsabis on Friday after allegedly overdosing on pills. 

According to the report, it is further alleged that the victim and his girlfriend argued about a text message that was sent on his cell phone.

 This led to her spending the night at a relative’s house, and when she returned, she found the boyfriend unconscious in a pool of vomit. 

The victim was transported to the Tsumeb state hospital, where he died on the same day. 

An elderly male also took his own life by hanging at Ekamba village in the Okahao constituency. 

The unfortunate incident also occurred on Friday last week. 

In the Outapi district, at around 05h00 at Ouhwaala village, it is alleged that 54-year-old Aliosius Rudolf Shikalepo hanged himself with a rope around his neck at his house. 

The next of kin were informed, and the police investigations continue. 

There was also another suicide outside Okahao in the Omusati region when a pensioner, Shiimi Tolata, allegedly took his life by hanging. 

No suicide note was found, and no foul play is suspected. 

At Oshipumbu Shomugongo in the Oshakati district, a 54-year-0ld man accidentally shot himself with his pistol, which was in the holster. 

He was taken to hospital, where he is in a stable condition. 

The incident happened on Saturday at a local bar. 

On the same day, the Oshana police attended a suicide scene at Oshaaneko village in the Ompundja constituency, where Eliander Paskalis Iipinge (55) fatally shot himself with his shotgun. 

Several murder cases are also under investigation by the authorities.

 This includes the alleged murder of 48-year-old Uukongo Johannes, who was fatally struck with a bow and arrow on Friday at Uutsathima in Okahao. 

The suspect was arrested and was due to appear in court yesterday. 

On Saturday, at around 01h00 at Ombili location in Eenhana, it is alleged a 34 years old man stabbed to the death Toivo Andreas (35) with a knife, while another victim survived the attack. 

According to the police, the suspect entered a cuca shop, where the two victims were patrons, and he started an argument with the victims, which led to the attack. 

- ljason@nepc.com.na