SUICIDE IN UNIFORM SPARKS URGENT QUESTIONS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

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Posted by admin on November 6, 2025 at 12:38 AM

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Tragedy has struck the correctional services community as Mwamba Mwango, a 23-year-old prison warder stationed at Livingstone Correctional Facility, was found dead in his home in Dambwa North Extension, reportedly after ingesting insecticide.

His body was discovered around midday by his 18-year-old cousin, Francis Kayula, who had returned from writing his Grade 12 exams.

According to Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Auxensio Daka confirmed the presence of a bottle of Doom insecticide and traces of vomit at the scene. No physical injuries were observed.

Mr Daka highlighted that Mwango had previously threatened suicide both at home and at work. The incident occurred while he was alone his mother, Josephine Bwalya, had gone to work, and his cousin was at school.

“The deceased had been showing signs of distress before his death,” Daka stated.

Growing concern over mental health challenges among men in uniform, particularly in Zambia’s correctional and security services. Mwango’s death follows a series of similar incidents reported earlier this year, raising alarms about

Lack of psychosocial support in high-stress service roles, Stigma surrounding mental health in male-dominated institutions, Insufficient early intervention mechanisms for distressed officers

Mental health experts have repeatedly called for Routine psychological assessments for officers, Confidential counselling services within institutions, Peer support networks to reduce isolation and emotional strain and Training for supervisors to identify and respond to warning signs

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security has previously acknowledged the need for mental health reform in uniformed services, but implementation remains slow.