Namibia is one of the countries in Africa with the highest suicide incidences. Last month, the Namibian Police revealed that 542 cases of suicide were recorded for the 2023/2024 financial year. Of this figure, 449 were men, 80 women, eight boys and five girls.
The youngest suicide victim was five years old, while the oldest person was 103 years of age.
These figures are evident in the police’s weekly crime report, raising concerns about mental health issues within the Namibian community.
Recent incidences
Recently, in Oshikuku, a 39-year-old woman, named Luise Nangombe, was discovered hanging in her residence.
It is reported that she left her boyfriend in the bedroom before relocating to another room, where she was later found.
Despite efforts to revive her, she succumbed shortly after being discovered.
Authorities indicated that no suicide note was found and there are no suspicions of foul play.
In Grootfontein, a 46-year-old man, Donatius Amwele, was found hanging in his room on the evening of 4 October.
His remains were transported to the local mortuary for an autopsy, with no indications of foul play or a suicide note present.
Another suspected suicide was reported on 5 October in Okavugu, where a 36-year-old man, Shidhika Leopald, was found hanging from a tree. His body was taken to a hospital mortuary, and no suicide note was discovered.
In Oshivelo, a 50-year-old man, Paulus Phillipus Hamatundu, who is known to have had psychiatric issues, was found hanging in his home. His body is pending a post-mortem examination.
In Keetmanshoop, 33-year-old Coetzee Phill Collin was found hanging in his room on Saturday evening.
He had previously confided suicidal thoughts to his aunt.
His body was sent to the local mortuary for further investigation.
Adding to these incidents, on 3 October 2024, a 34-year-old male, believed to be a former student of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust), was found on the ground floor of the Polyheights apartments.
Police suspected it could have been a suicide.
One eyewitness reported hearing a loud bang, before discovering the deceased at the scene.
Mental health
The alarming statistics underscore the pressing necessity for enhanced mental health support and awareness in Namibia.
Numerous individuals may be enduring their struggles in silence, and the scarcity of accessible resources can exacerbate feelings of isolation and hopelessness.
Community leaders and health officials are stressing the significance of fostering open dialogues regarding mental health, and urging those in need to seek assistance.
Shedding light on the issue, clinical psychologist Dr Shaun Whittaker said suicide is a critical issue that is attributed to mental health.
“We rank fourth in Africa, following South Africa, and the actual numbers may even be higher due to under-reporting… The profile of individuals who commit suicide often includes young adult males aged 20 to 29, particularly those who are unemployed,” he noted. He added: “Adults tend to contemplate suicide for months, waiting for the right moment, while teenagers often act impulsively. This highlights the importance of family and friends being vigilant for significant changes in behaviour, such as persistent sadness, changes in sleep patterns or feelings of being a burden, especially among those who have been unemployed for extended periods”.
Whittaker provided his insights on the concerning increase in suicide rates, particularly poignant, as October is recognised as Mental Health Month.
“October frequently emerges as the most stressful month of the year. Health professionals typically report a significant rise in stress levels during this period,” he remarked.
He stressed the need for ongoing discussions around mental health to combat misconceptions, particularly the belief that depression is not a legitimate illness.
“We must continue raising awareness and addressing these misconceptions to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health,” he said.
He emphasised the urgent need for improved mental health support and community awareness in Namibia, echoing the sentiments of local leaders advocating for open conversations about mental health and encouraging individuals to seek help.
-isipunga@nepc.com.na