Isaac Daniel, 25, has taken his own life after allegedly misappropriating timber sales in Balaka District, police have confirmed.
Balaka Police spokesperson Gladson M’bumpha said Daniel was in a joint timber-selling business with friends in surrounding villages. He was accused of mismanaging timber sales valued at K41,000. However, the matter was later resolved by Village Headman Mateyu, who instructed that Daniel should repay the money.
According to M’bumpha, Daniel began drinking excessively and behaving in a disturbed manner.
“On Monday, Daniel went to the house of Blessings Kapito to drink with others. At around 9pm, after the group had dispersed, the owner of the house was shocked to find Daniel hanging from a masau tree with a cotton trouser belt,” said M’bumpha.
The incident comes as Malawi joins the rest of the world in observing Suicide Prevention Month, with psychologists urging the public to take mental health issues seriously.
Clinical psychologist Dr Ndumanene Silungwe has urged young people to seek professional guidance and counselling to cope with life’s challenges, noting that suicide cases continue to rise in the country.
“Fear of judgement often prevents people from opening up. This fear can lead to tragic outcomes when mental health issues are left unaddressed,” said Silungwe.
Psycho-social counsellor Flora Ngina Mwale of Zomba Mental Hospital added that counselling and emotional expression play a key role in healing.
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on 10 September, organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) with the World Health Organization as co-sponsor.
