Suicide among men continues to be a concern, as two men took their own lives on Wednesday at the coast.
The two men, identified as Agas Karuvaru Shigwheda and Nelson Karipose, both 31, ended their lives in separate incidents just hours from each other.
According to the Erongo Police, Shigwheda was found hanging by a municipal employee on Wednesday morning at the stadium in Kuisebmond.
Sergeant Ana Frans told the media the municipal worker heard a cell phone ringing in the area and followed the sound, and he came across the man hanging from a tree.
“The employee alerted the Community Against Crime office, who in turn called the police. The man had a cast on his right leg. His crutches were also found at the scene,” she said.
In the second incident, she said Karipose jumped into the sea from the Swakopmund Jetty on Wednesday and drowned.
His body was later retrieved by a good Samaritan, who was in the sea when the victim jumped. Attempts were made to save him, but he was declared dead upon arrival at the Swakopmund state hospital.
Sean Naude, an emergency worker, yesterday described the drowning as tragic and also hailed Swakopmund resident Terence West for his bravery. West risked his life to try and save Karipose, despite the sea being rough.
Naude said they struggled against the tides to get Karipose to the shore.
“Our team and several other volunteers came to assist us. They fell over the slippery rocks but managed to safely get him in the ambulance. We rushed to the hospital – and for almost an hour, the medical staff of the state hospital tried to save his life but were sadly unable,” he said.
According to Naude, they may not have been able to save his life, but they are thankful to have retrieved his body so that his family can pay their last respect.
– edeklerk@nepc.com.na