By Esther Ndhlozi and Grace Thesi

Mzuzu, July 12, Mana: Police in Mzuzu have appealed for partnership in raising public awareness on the need to seek counselling when one is stressed to prevent suicide cases.

In an interview on Tuesday, Public Relations Officer for Mzuzu Police, Augustus Nkhwazi said challenges which include among others, transport limit police to reach out to people with such messages in remote areas.

He therefore urged stakeholders operating in rural areas to mainstream issues of suicide in their programs aimed at reducing suicide cases.

“I urge various players who are working in these areas to have keen interest in the welfare of the people they work with by creating a supportive environment where people can openly share their concerns and assist them accordingly.

If there will be need for more assistance on psychological counselling, such cases should be reported to us because we work in collaboration with institutions such as St John of God Hospitaller Services Malawi,” said Nkhwazi

He said Mzuzu Police have registered a decrease in reported suicide cases by 67 percent from January to June 2024.

Nkhwazi however said the decrease does not necessarily translate to improvement in the cases because some happen in remote areas and go unreported.

“From January to June 2023, we recorded six suicide cases within Mzuzu City against this year`s two cases within the same period.

The numbers have declined but this does not mean there is improvement because some cases happen in remote areas and they are not reported to the police,” said Nkhwazi.

Secretary for M’mbelwa Chief’s Council, Inkosi Jalavikuwa, expressed concern over the increase in suicide cases especially amongst young people across the country.

He said he has advised his subordinates to raise awareness on the problem and the importance of promoting safe space and good mental health during public gatherings such as funeral ceremonies.

According to a post on Malawi Police Service Facebook Page on July 11,2024, Deputy National Police Public Relations Officer, Harry Namwanza said police have recorded 281 suicide cases out of which 35 involved females across the country from January to June 2024.

It said the figures represents an increase in suicide cases compared to the same period last year in which 220 cases were recorded.

The statement cited broken relationships, debts, family conflicts, drug and substance abuse as some of the reasons fuelling an increase in suicide cases among people.