Former copper mine worker sets himself on fire

Tutume police officers are investigating a case in which a middle-aged man committed suicide last week by setting himself on fire inside a locked car boot.

According to close friends and relatives, the man who hails from Molepolole sent them short text messages that he wanted to commit suicide but did not say why.

Tutume station commander Superintendent Jerry Halahala confirmed the incident to The Midweek Sun, saying that that they received a report that a car was burning along the road roughly five kilometres from Tutume village. Upon receiving the report, the police notified the Tutume fire brigade who rushed to the scene to extinguish the fire.

“When my officers arrived at the scene, they found the car had been completely consumed by fire. Upon opening the boot, a body burnt beyond recognition was found inside and was later taken to the mortuary for positive identification and post-mortem, which was carried out on Friday,” he said.

He advised people to consult social workers or friends and close relatives in the event they are faced with life challenges. He added that the suicide victim is a former employee of African Copper Mines which was liquidated last year, laying off hundreds of employees in the process.