A 21-year-old man from Cowdray Park, Zimbabwe, South Africa, has died after consuming rat poison following a domestic altercation with his mother over spilled cooking oil.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, July 12, ended tragically in the early hours of Monday despite efforts by medical staff to save his life.
According to Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the deceased, identified as Thabiso Ndlovu, took the fatal substance shortly after being scolded.
“The altercation began when the mother reprimanded her son for accidentally spilling two litres of cooking oil,” Inspector Msebele said. “The situation escalated, leading to this devastating outcome.”
Following the ingestion of the poison, Ndlovu began vomiting and confessed to his mother that he had taken the toxic substance. He was quickly rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital, where he received emergency medical treatment. However, he succumbed to the effects of the poison around 5:40 a.m. on Monday morning.
Inspector Msebele used the opportunity to urge families and individuals to seek peaceful means of resolving conflicts and to access mental health support when facing emotional distress.
“We strongly advise families to communicate openly and utilize available counseling services. Suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problems,” she said.
Authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting mental health awareness and services in the community, encouraging residents to reach out during times of crisis.
