The Mitchells Plain community has been left in shock as they try to piece together the circumstances that led to a man’s death by suicide in Tafelsig.  

The Western Cape SAPS confirmed that the Mitchells Plain SAPS opened an inquest docket, following the 57-year-old man’s death on Tuesday morning. 

Spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana noted that his body was found on Winterhoek Street around 05:20.  

The community crime group reports that the man is believed to be a known mechanic in the area. 

Norman Jantjies of the Mitchells Plain United Residents Association noted that members of community-based forums have approached the family of the deceased to assess the situation and what the needs of the family may be during this time. 

“There’s a spiritual crime prevention in Tafelsig, they are on their way to the house and they will maybe get a better idea of as to what transpired, whether there’s family involved, and also maybe offer some counselling and support if needed,” said Jantjies.  

Jantjies added that he’s noted a concerning trend with death by suicide, especially among men.  

“It appears that men are going through a lot. There’s a lot of emphasis on women’s rights, which is right, but at the same time… I think men begin to feel inferior, and men also don’t have the tendency to go for help when they need psychological support.”  

In May, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, noted that men account for 80% of all recorded suicides in the country. Responding to a Parliamentary question, Chikunga noted that there is a notable rise in suicide among young people, and there is a need for comprehensive support.  

She advised that the department is working on interventions specifically aimed at high-risk young men.  

“The focus is on implementing urgent, collaborative mental health interventions, in line with the National Youth Policy 2030, whose third pillar is focused on Physical and Mental health promotion. Based on the magnitude of the problem, there is a need for comprehensive support, focusing on: addressing the root causes like unemployment, trauma, and gender-based violence; raising awareness on the ill-effects of mental health; enhancing psychosocial services; strengthening school-based prevention programmes; facilitating linkage to community-based mental health support services,” said Chikunga in her reply.  

Jantjies further appealed to families to take care of the males in their family. He also encouraged men to find someone to talk to. 

“They can decide who they want to share it with, but share it! At least you’ll get another point of view, and you’ll also get some support, instead of maybe resorting to this extreme case.”