By Obed Lijimu in Mwinilunga
A-16 year-old girl of Mwinilunga has committed suicide after being suspected of stealing her mother’s underwear.
Agness Katenga, a Grade 10 pupil at Lunga Day Secondary School of Ndumba village in Kanyama chiefdom of Northwestern province killed herself by hanging after stealing underwear from her mother.
Northwestern Province Police Commissioner Joel Njase has confirmed the development and named the deceased as Ms Katenga.
Mr Njase said Ms Katenga took her life by hanging herself to a mango tree 10 meters away from their house after she was suspected to have stolen three new underwear belonging to her mother Lucy Kayombo.
He said after being talked to over the matter, the girl got upset and sneaked out of the house.
“The cause of committing suicide was that Ms Katenga was suspected to have stolen three new pants belonging to her mother of the same abode.
Mr Njase said the incident is reported to have occurred between 20:00 hours on January 30, 2021 and 06:00 hours on January 31, 2021.
He said Police in the area have visited the scene and inspected the body and observed a protruded tongue and eyes.
Mr Njase said the body has since been put in Mwinilunga District hospital mortuary awaiting burial as no foul play is suspected.
Meanwhile Mr Njase has observed that there is an urgent need to address emotional handling gaps among people in the communities.
He said the challenge should be addressed by helping the youth especially to understand and accept that criticism is part of life.
“We must address this challenge and ensure that, our youths are able to withstand criticism and take it as part of life to make them better. However, this ability to handle emotional challenges comes with careful development of values, belief system, attitude and ultimate conduct,” he said.
Mr Njase has since appealed to leaders, parents, health authorities, the department of social welfare and the church to look at brain science and cognitive disorders and spiritual engagement as part of a long term solution to the challenge/ZANIS.
