Deadly nap for Sifiso's dad!

A FATHER (68) said when his son started acting strangely, he made sure to start observing his behaviour.

He said he watched every move he made. And when the son wanted to use the toilet, he stood outside the toilet door.

But a short nap the dad took has turned out to be the biggest mistake of his life as his son has died.

Tragedy strikes family

Lawrence Buthelezi from Nquthu, northern KZN said his son, Sifiso Buthelezi (42), was found hanging in his room on Wednesday, 11 October.

He said when Sifiso saw he was napping, he sneaked out of the main house, went to his room and hanged himself.

Lawrence said Sifiso was found by his relative, who then screamed and then informed the family.

How did this happen?

"For some time my son has been acting strangely. He told me that he was seeing people that we didn't see. That made me worry a lot about him, and I decided to keep a close eye on him.

"He also wanted to run away from home, so I felt that the only way to keep him safe was to look after him all the time," he said.

He said they took Sifiso out of his outside room and made him sleep in the main house so they could watch his every move.

"But on Tuesday, 10 October, I don't know how I fell asleep while I was sitting in the dining room because that was when he sneaked out of the house and went to his room where he hanged himself," he said.

Living with regret

He said he feels bad and regrets sleeping because that was when the tragedy happened.

"We found a note in his room in which he apologised to the family for taking his life. There were no details why he took his own life, " he said.

He said he was heartbroken and just wanted to bury his son.

Cops confirm incident

The KZN police spokesman, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said Nquthu police have registered an inquest docket following an incident that occurred on 10 October 2023 in the Eziqhazeni area.

Colonel Netshiunda said it is alleged that 42-year-old man was found hanging from the roof in his house.

If you have lost someone to suicide. Here are a few suggestions that might help you in your healing process:

Seek support: Reach out to friends, family members, or support groups who can provide a listening ear and understanding during this difficult time.
Find a therapist or counselor: Speaking with a mental health professional can provide guidance and support as you navigate your emotions and grief.
Take care of yourself: Engage in self-care activities that bring you comfort and peace, such as exercise, meditation, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.
Seek closure: Finding ways to honor your loved one's memory can be healing. This might include creating a memorial, writing letters, or participating in support groups specifically for those who have lost someone to suicide.
Educate yourself: Understanding the complexities of suicide and mental health can help you make sense of what happened and help you in your healing journey.
Remember, healing takes time and everyone's journey is different. It's okay to seek professional help if needed and to lean on your support system during this challenging process.

Source: https://aichatonline.org/chat/