A pirate taxi (mushikashika) driver allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison at Zvishavane Central Police Station after police refused to return his vehicle which they had impounded for operating in contravention of COVID-19 restrictions.
Tapiwa Manyimo (38) of Maglas suburb in the asbestos mining town was pronounced dead on arrival at Zvishavane District Hospital where he had been rushed for medical attention.
Police found a suicide note in one of his pockets which indicated that he was having sleepless nights at home as his wife was harassing him over the impounded vehicle which was his only source of income.
National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident but said he had no full details at hand. He said:
I can confirm that there is a sudden death matter involving a Zvishavane man who committed suicide and left behind a suicide note.
Chronicle reported a source close to the matter as saying the incident occurred on Saturday. Said the source:
He [Manyimo] walked to the police station and pleaded with the police officers to have his pirate taxi released but the police would not budge.
The police were insisting that all impounded vehicles will be taken to the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) for inspection first before they are released to their owners.
Marimo then allegedly took some pesticides from his pocket before consuming some at Zvishavane Central police station before collapsing.