AN officer of His Majesty’s Correctional Services committed suicide by shooting himself on Wednesday.
This brings the total number of reported cases of correctional services officers who committed suicide to four in the recent months.
The officer, who held the position of sergeant, was working under the Royal Guard and staying at Sidvokodvo. He is said to have shot himself while in his house with no one else present. The reason behind the suicide could not be ascertained.
Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Zwane confirmed that a 49-year-old man shot himself while in his house at Sidvokodvo on Wednesday.
She said the police were still investigating the circumstances around the incident.
HMCS Deputy Public Relations Officer Assistant Chief Officer Baphelele Kunene confirmed the incident, offering condolences to the officer’s family and colleagues.
“His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) is deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic passing of one of its officers serving under the Royal Guard Unit. On behalf of the commissioner general and entire HMCS family, we extend our heartfelt condolences, first and foremost, to the family and friends of the deceased officer.
We share in their grief during this extremely difficult and painful time and pray that God grants them strength, comfort and peace as they come to terms with this devastating loss,” he said.
Kunene said the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death were deeply distressing to the service and to all those who knew and worked with him.
“Incidents of suicide have, over time, taken a painful toll within His Majesty’s Correctional Services. Each such loss leaves us deeply concerned, saddened and asking difficult questions about what may be happening within our organisation and among our people.”
The most recent suicide cases involving warders are that of a 43-year-old officer from Ludzeludze, a 33-year-old officer from Mhlosheni who was stationed at Vulamasano, and another officer from Malindza.
Kunene said following the series of tragic incidents of suicide within HMCS, the department would like to strongly encourage all officers to make use of the established wellness and support channels whenever they feel the need to talk, seek guidance or simply have someone listen to them.
“These channels include our psychologists, social workers and welfare officers, who are available to assist officers in dealing with personal, emotional, psychological and other challenges they may encounter. In particular, the Wellness Office has a responsibility to promote and safeguard the mental and overall wellbeing of our officers, while providing appropriate support in addressing some of the challenges that may affect us as individuals.”
He said seeking help should never be viewed as a sign of weakness; rather, as an important step towards protecting one’s wellbeing and ensuring that no officer has to face difficult circumstances alone.
