By Staff Reporter
CHIREDZI – A 40-year-old Chiredzi man died on Saturday morning (September 7, 2025) after deliberately positioning himself in front of an oncoming National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) train near Makondo Extension.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and urged members of the public to seek counseling and support when facing difficulties, rather than resorting to extreme measures.
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 5am when an NRZ employee, Tinashe Chipato, was transporting sugarcane from Mkwasine to Hippo Valley sugar mill. Chipato noticed Shepherd Chauke seated on the railway line.
Despite repeated hooter warnings, Chauke remained in place, covering his face with his hands, a gesture reminiscent of a cornered baboon concealing its eyes in moments of inescapable danger.
The driver applied emergency brakes, but the locomotive could not stop in time. Chauke was struck by the cowcatcher bumper and died instantly. His body was taken to Chiredzi General Hospital for postmortem examination.
The recent cluster of suicides has raised concerns among health professionals about the need for enhanced psychosocial support services, particularly in rural areas where access to mental health care remains limited. Local leadership in affected districts have called for increased community-based counseling initiatives and better awareness programs to identify and support at-risk individuals.
