Story by Silibaziso Dlodlo
A 16-year-old learner from Bulawayo reportedly committed suicide shortly after the release of the November 2025 Ordinary Level examination results after discovering she had only passed two out of seven subjects, police have confirmed.
Bulawayo Police Spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the teenager became emotionally distressed after checking her results online at home.
“On January 16, at around 2130 hours, the now deceased checked her results on the ZIMSEC portal. Upon discovering that she only passed two subjects out of seven, she was devastated and started crying.
“She later stopped crying, rushed to the kitchen, took an insecticide from the cupboard that was bought for killing cockroaches, and drank it. While she was taking the pesticide, she was seen by one of her cousins who screamed and quickly snatched the insecticide at the same time calling for help.
“Her cousins tried to render first aid by giving her milk and charcoal. She was rushed to Mpilo Hospital, where she died upon admission. As the Police, we urge young people to always speak out to parents, teachers, counsellors, or close friends whenever they feel overwhelmed emotionally, as taking their own lives is not a solution. We also urge parents not to keep pesticides, poisons, or toxic chemicals within reach of children,” Inspector Msebele said.
