Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Gibson Mhaka
SUICIDE is a complex issue often shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. It is a topic that many people find difficult to discuss, which can contribute to feelings of isolation and despair for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Historically, suicide has been stigmatised in many cultures, leading to misconceptions about its causes and consequences.
Some common myths include the belief that people who talk about suicide won’t actually attempt it, or that only weak or selfish individuals consider suicide.
These harmful stereotypes can discourage people from seeking help and prevent them from accessing the support they need.
Many of the world’s religions have traditionally condemned suicide because, as they believe, human life fundamentally belongs to God.
They generally regard suicide as a rejection of God’s gift of physical life, a failure of stewardship, an act of despair, and a transgression of the sixth commandment, “You shall not kill.”
Research has consistently shown that when someone commits suicide, the community often cuts down the tree from which the person hanged themselves. People believe this practice is necessary for spiritual reasons and to aid in the healing process.
Another strong tradition related to suicide involves destroying the stem, branches, and leaves of the tree used in the act.
This is typically done by cutting down the tree very close to the ground, chopping it into small pieces, piling the pieces on the exact spot where the tree stood, and then burning them to ashes.
The ashes are then put in a sack and emptied into a river. This is done in the presence and with the guidance of a local traditional leader such as a village head, headman, or chief.
The reason is that if the tree is not destroyed, witches and wizards will strip the tree of its bark, burn it, and mix the ashes with other charms and herbs to create a concoction used to drive their enemies or victims to commit suicide.
Legend has it that in 1954, a man hanged himself late at night from a tree in a thicket where the Renkini Long Distance Bus Terminus in Bulawayo now stands. His body was reportedly removed the following morning by the police. After two days or so, the tree was stripped of its bark late at night by unknown people.
It later dried up and was chopped by firewood vendors. This incident demonstrates the deeply rooted belief about the use of trees from which a suicide would have hanged themselves.
Living true to the tradition that the tree from which a person hanged themselves should be cut down, a poignant debate has unfolded within the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) regarding the fate of a tree associated with a tragic suicide in Old Lobengula suburb.
According to recent council minutes, a petition dated 11 November 2024 was received from Old Lobengula residents, parents and guardians of Nyamande Primary School pupils, and the Nyamande School Development Committee (SDC).
In the petition, they requested to cut down an uMsawa tree on which a suicide was committed on the 5th of November 2024.
“The following were the reasons for our request: the tree is close to the school fence, and it is an edible umsawa tree. As concerned parents and guardians, we are very much concerned that the children/pupils might eat its fruit, hence our African belief that it is taboo for such a tree to be consumed.
“Since the tree is close to the school and also within the residential homes, it has a psychological effect on children and the community. The family of the deceased also requests the removal of the tree as per cultural practices. We hope our sincere request will receive your most urgent and favourable consideration,” the petition by the parents reads in part.
The detailed petition also attached further reference stating that a series of tragic suicides by hanging on trees had been recorded in Entumbane suburb in the recent past, prompting some residents to call for the removal of these trees in an effort to prevent further deaths.
In deliberating on the request, the local authority noted that there have been differing views on the matter.
“However, there have been divergent views on the matter. The reasons for suicides border on mental health issues. Over and above there was an upsurge on the use of dangerous drugs by the community worsening the mental health issues.
“The problems leading to these suicide cases were far much deeper and needed an appropriate response. It was clear that the trees were not the problem but the challenges were deeper than that with the trees used as vehicles for suicide.
“From an environmental management point of view it was, however, within Council mandate to prune trees and ensure they were safe. This exercise could help mitigate ease of tree access.
“Removal of trees totally would be difficult given that it took 50 or more years to grow an indigenous tree, many trees might be finished under such circumstances, considering the upsurge in deaths by hanging on trees in recent months.
“Indeed the situation was bad. As such, a pragmatic and a holistic approach was needed, not an emotional and reactive response. The root cause should be addressed instead of just removal of trees, which were difficult to nature under the climate changed environment.
“In view of the fore going, the Department proposed that an exercise be carried out to prune all trees where suicide had occurred to prevent easy climbing and to make them inaccessible,” the council report reads.
The Director of Housing and Community Services Dictor Khumalo recommended that all trees where a suicide case had occurred be pruned accordingly to ensure they were inaccessible. The Director also suggested engaging the community to take care of their trees.
Ward 25 Councillor Aleck Ndlovu said that although the request to cut down the tree stemmed from an unfortunate incident, he felt the tree should be preserved.
“It took some years for the trees to be fully grown, and losing the tree in that way was not possible,” he said.
He suggested that instead of cutting down the tree, it should be pruned to make it inaccessible for suicide. He emphasised the environmental benefits of trees.
However, Clr Siboniso Moyo, who supports the residents’ request, highlighted the potential danger posed by the tree, particularly to young children.
“The edible tree was near a primary school, and pupils from the school were eating the fruits from that tree. Some pupils were even found with ropes, dramatizing what they saw on that tree. Tragedy might occur as pupils were taking it like kids play,” she warned.
Ward 14 Dumisani Netha echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the environmental significance of trees. “There was no reason why the tree should be cut down. It was necessary to cut only the branch where the hanging took place,” he said.
He felt that cutting down every suicide tree was not good for the environment. He gave an example of a park in Ward 14 where five suicides occurred in a short period, and all the trees were cut down, resulting in an unfriendly environment.
Ward 12 Clr Muziwakibo Masuku’s major concern was that the tree’s fruit was being eaten by the school children. He felt that the wishes of the residents who were affected daily by the presence of the tree should be observed.
Ward 29 Rowen Sekete, who is also the Chairperson, indicated that this issue was very sensitive and a challenge for the committee to make a resolution. He said that the matter should be taken to Council for a decision.
The City legal officer was not in support of cutting down the tree.
“What would have happened if the suicide happened in a house or in a car? Were the two going to be destroyed?” the legal officer questioned.
Responding to the above, the Town Clerk Christopher Dube advised that the tree should be cut down, apparently citing potential safety concerns and the psychological impact on the community.
Traditional healer Khulu Alfred Moyo supports the removal of trees associated with suicides, saying their presence can bring misfortune to the community.
“According to our ancestral beliefs, a tree on which a person has taken their own life becomes tainted. It carries the weight of the spirit of the deceased, and its presence can bring misfortune to the community.
“Removing the tree is a way of purifying the land and preventing further tragedy. It’s a symbolic act that respects the departed soul and protects the living,” said Khulu Moyo.
He said such trees can have a negative psychological impact on individuals, particularly children.
“Witnessing a tree associated with a suicide can evoke feelings of fear, sadness, and even suicidal thoughts. By removing the tree, we can create a more positive and healing environment for the community,” said Khulu Moyo.
