A FIFTY-SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Zambia Air Force (ZAF) civilian of Kabwe has allegedly committed suicide for failure to settle debt to various people. Central Province commissioner of police Chola Katanga and Kawama ward councillor Lackson Mafoko confirmed the death of Charles Mutale, of Masiye Township, yesterday. Mr Katanga and Mr Mafoko could, however, not give details of how much money Mr Mutale owed, but said that this information was provided by his family.

“The reason for committing suicide is suspected family dispute and debt. We suspect no foul play,” Mr Katanga said. He said Mr Mutale took his life on Friday at 02:00 hours in his house. He said when police officers investigating his death visited his house, his half-dressed body was lying on the floor. “The body was inspected and there was no injury seen anywhere,” Mr Katanga said. And Mr Mafoko said the death of Mr Mutale, whose house is located in Kawama ward, is sad.

“The family is also saying that he had a lot of debt with different people and some were even following him to his workplace,” Mr Mafoko said. He urged people experiencing problems such as settling their debt not to commit suicide but seek other solutions.