Kimberley - The body of a 22-year-old Kagisho student was found hanging from a tree in the ABC Cemetery early on Thursday morning.
She apparently killed herself after she was kicked out of her house.
Sipho-Sihle “Sweety” Nontshifa’s friend, Refilwe Sefali, was on Thursday still coming to terms with her death and described the business student as a people person who would go out of her way to please and help all those that crossed her path.
“She came to my house in tears after 8pm on Wednesday night, saying that she had been kicked out of her house,” a tearful Sefali said on Thursday.
“I told her she could stay with me, but she said that she was going to her boyfriend who stays at the hostels.”
Sefali said that she walked with her to the boyfriend’s place, but Nontshifa left there moments later, sobbing.
“She was very upset and I followed her as she walked down the road. She said, I don’t give a f*** anymore because nobody gives a f*** about me.’
“At some point she started running and I saw her going into the graveyard. I tried to stop her but I was not going to follow her into the cemetery alone at that time of night.
“Later in the evening I received a text from her saying that she loved me. I messaged back but never got a reply. I sat up the whole night, hoping. Then, this morning, I was shocked when the police came knocking on my door.
“Sweety had dreams and we’d always sit down and talk about being independent women some day.”
The brother of the deceased, Xolela Nontshisa, said that the family was still looking for answers and was struggling with the loss.
“I was shocked to hear what had happened when the police woke me up this morning to give me the news,” he said. “The matter is still under investigation and we are still gathering all the information... but we are heartbroken.
“My sister and I had our differences but she was always there for me and the rest of the family when we needed her.”
Police spokesman, Captain Sergio Kock, confirmed that an inquest had been opened and that the matter was under investigation.
“No foul play is suspected at this stage,” he said. “An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.”
The Northern Cape has the highest prevalence of suicide in the country, and mental health practitioners in the province are struggling to manage an annual spike in mental health issues that has left psychiatric wards full and has seen a multitude of recent suicide attempts.
According to state psychiatrist Doctor Keith Kirimi, mental health problems and suicidal tendencies are particularly prevalent at this time of year, with therapists, psychiatrist and psychologists inundated with patients.
“While there is not really a known explanation, we definitely see a massive influx of patients in the months of August, September and October,” said Kirimi.
“Currently, the observation areas are full of patients on suicide watch as depression and other mental health issues seem to be of particular concern at this time of year.
“Many are reluctant to seek help and this often aggravates the problem as it goes untreated.
“It is also the time of year when many young people start struggling with anxiety caused by the approaching exams, making it a particularly bad season.”
Kirimi added that the problem was compounded in the Northern Cape by a shortage of facilities, specifically the absence of a mental hospital.
“Having a new mental hospital in the Province would take tremendous pressure off the existing facilities, especially in these months, where casualties at the Kimberley Hospital and West End are fully occupied and can’t keep up with the number of patients.”
Sol Plaatje municipal spokesman, Sello Matsie, confirmed that the body of a woman had been found by council employees in the cemetery, shortly before 7am on Thursday morning. He urged those who might be suffering from depression or other mental health issues to seek help.
“We appeal to the community to seek help in a situation of distress or even talk to a friend,” said Matsie. “Several organisations do offer help for people with suicidal tendencies as taking your own life is not the best option.
“Parents should also be vigilant and be on the lookout for drastic changes in behavioral patterns or symptoms of depression.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family of the bereaved in their time of sorrow.”
In December 2015, StatsSA reported that the Northern Cape had the highest prevalence of suicide in the country, attributing the problem largely to the prevalence of gangsterism and substance abuse.
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