Bulawayo, (New Ziana) -Police in Bulawayo are investigating a suspected case of suicide in which a local businessman was found dead with a gunshot wound in the head and a pistol under his right knee.

The incident occurred in Cowdray Park, a high density suburb and police are still to determine the motive behind the suspected suicide.

The deceased has been identified as John Madzikatire aged 36.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, said the incident occurred on Saturday at around 9:30 PM. A motorist driving along an unnamed dust road came across the lifeless body of the deceased lying near a Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

“The car was idling with its lights on, and the driver’s door was wide open. The deceased was found lying on the ground beside the left rear wheel, face up, in a pool of blood, with a gunshot wound to the head and showing no signs of life,” she said.

Ass Insp Msebele said a report was made to the police, who attended the scene and observed that the deceased had a round gunshot wound on the right side of his head.

“It is suspected that the now-deceased could have shot himself in the head from the left side, with the bullet exiting on the right. An unidentified pistol was found beneath his right knee,” she said.

Further searches inside the vehicle revealed an army green bag on the driver’s seat containing US$5 122, ZAR 20 719, and $24 in ZiG currency. The body was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals for a post-mortem examination.

Ass Insp Msebele urged the public to seek help when dealing with personal challenges, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to others rather than resorting to suicide.

“We encourage members of the public to talk to others when they are facing difficulties and seek counselling from community leaders or professional counsellors,” she said.

New Ziana