Police in Rumbek, Lakes State confirmed that a young man only identified as Malok, 20, committed suicide on Thursday in the Acholthen residential area in Rumbek Central County.
The state’s police spokesperson, Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuac, told Radio Tamazuj Friday that the young man identified as Malok was from Paloch Payam of Rumbek East County.
“Yes, it is true. The young man was from Paloch Payam and he committed suicide in Rumbek Central county. But his reason for committing suicide is not known,” Maj. Mabor said. “He decided to distribute all his belongings and clothes to some of his friends and associates, informing them that he is going to Juba.”
He added: “He (Malok) also informed one of the little boys in his family to marry 2 wives; one for the little boy and one wife for him before he committed suicide the next day. He committed suicide by hanging himself using a bedsheet from the roof of an abandoned house in Acholthen residential area.”
The police mouthpiece said most of the cases of suicide in the state are related to trauma. He said that when Saferworld International was working in Lakes State, the rate of suicide was low.
“The police was the lead agency in raising awareness during the period of Saferworld International, but now the NGOs operating in Lakes State are not coordinating with police in raising awareness within the community,” Maj. Mabor said. “There is no awareness by NGOs about suicide which is very common and this phenomenon currently requires awareness.”
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) coordinator in Lakes State, Daniel Laat Kon, said most of the issues which lead to suicide in the state are related to mental health and prevailing hardships.
“Many NGOs are operating in Lakes State and they are doing mental health and trauma awareness among the communities in Wulu and Rumbek Central County,” Laat said. “It is surprising because many people have committed suicide. This year (2021), 7 people died between Wulu and Rumbek Central County of suicide only.”