A 48-year-old bank employee who had recently been suspended was found dead in her home after reportedly hanging herself from a bathroom window burglar proof.
The tragic incident occurred last Thursday at Sterkstroom Township, near Manzini Central High School. According to sources, the woman allegedly used a chair to reach the window where she took her life. Her husband and children reportedly found her after returning home.
Fraud Allegations and Suspension
Sources allege that the deceased was being investigated internally over a fraud case involving a missing sum of money at the bank where she had worked for over seven years. Police were reportedly brought into the investigation after the internal probe.
She was allegedly under immense emotional stress, having even attempted to resign—an offer said to have been rejected. Instead, she was placed on suspension pending investigation outcomes.
| Eswatini Observer WhatsApp Channel
Plans to Repay the Bank
It is believed the woman confided in her husband shortly before the incident. They were reportedly discussing selling property, including a car, to repay the bank.
Her death came as a shock, as she had not displayed suicidal tendencies before the tragedy.
Church Member and Community Shock
Known in her community as a dedicated Sunday school teacher, the deceased’s death has sent shockwaves through the local church and neighbourhood.
Police Confirmation and Suicide Statistics
Inspector Mazwi Ndzimandze from the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) confirmed the incident. REPS reported 39 suicide cases between April and June—34 men and 5 women. A similar trend was recorded in 2024.
Two other high-profile suicides in July involved police officers in Malkerns and Lobamba.
The REPS identified contributing factors such as:
– Stress
– Chronic illness
– Domestic abuse
– Unemployment
– Social isolation
Eswatini Observer Press Reader | View Here
