Public relations manager of  National Railways of Zimbabwe, Fanuel Masikati has expressed concern over the increase in cases of people committing suicide by throwing themselves in front of on-coming trains.
According to the NRZ, 147 people died between January 2007 and February 2015 on the country’s railway lines after throwing themselves in front of on-coming trains.
In a statement, NRZ Public relations manager  said many of the suicide cases involve women carrying young children.
Masikati did not, however provide figures for this year alone.
“Suicidal cases involving people who throw themselves in front of on-coming trains and those that seat on the railway lines are on the increase, a scenario which is of major concern to the NRZ and the public at large. People should seek counselling when confronted with challenges and seemingly difficult situations,” said Masikati.
“Some children and adults have been seen lying and sitting on railway lines, which is dangerous. These practices should be discouraged as they may result in people losing their lives. We’re appealing to the general public to desist from such retrogressive acts and report such cases to the nearest police or railway security stations.”
He said statistics show a trend where many people committ suicide in January, September and December, a situation he attributed to the so called “January disease” and school fees dilemma among other social challenges.
“It is common knowledge that many people are faced with hardships and social problems, but it is not an option or solution to commit suicide,” said Masikati.
He said rejection, negligence and societal stigma were also contributing to prevalence of suicide cases.
Masikati also said between January 2007 and February 2015, 167 people died and 581 were injured in accidents at rail level crossings.
He appealed to all motorists and public transport drivers to exercise extreme caution, when approaching rail level crossings.
“There are many people dying or being injured at rail level crossings as well as those involved in suicidal cases. Let’s all be responsible when driving on our roads. Remember, you cannot win an argument with a train,” said Masikati.
He said there were also people who were digging for gold along the railway lines as well as under the railway lines while others have been seen ploughing along the railway lines.
“This is risky to the movement of both passenger and freight trains throughout the country, particularly during the rainy season as it causes wash aways that have resulted in the derailment of trains,” he said. -chronicle