The Sunday News
Sukulwenkosi Dube
A 36-YEAR-OLD man who was hospitalised after attempting to commit suicide three times is appealing for monetary assistance to cover his medical bill.
Mr Nqobile Mlilo, a manager at Spar Butchery in Plumtree Town, made three suicide attempts within a space of two days.
He first drank a dipping chemical and after it did not kill him, he cut himself with a knife on the stomach and throat.
He later attempted to drown himself in a septic tank.
Mr Mlilo has been hospitalised at the United Bulawayo Hospitals for the past three weeks.
His family has been struggling to pay for his medication and Mr Mlilo has since changed his Whatsaap status to read: “Help with cash, send through EcoCash use my number”, in a bid to raise money.
His aunt, Ms Betty Mazibuko said the family is struggling to clear a $374 medical bill owed to the hospital.
“Nqobile is still in hospital and his medical bill keeps accruing and we are struggling to clear it. Right now we can do with any money that we can get. At the moment we owe the hospital $374 but the figure will continue to rise because he has not been discharged yet,” she said.
Ms Mazibuko said Mr Mlilo was now in a better condition as he could eat and chat. She said they had made attempts to collect money from his friends and relatives but the funds which were collected have already been exhausted.
She said they were still frightened by her nephew’s actions.
“We are still wondering what had come over him because the Nqobile we know would have never attempted suicide,” said Ms Mazibuko.
Mr Mlilo’s friend, who preferred anonymity, said they had contributed some money following his request on the social network.
He said they had collected enough money to cover medication and injections for his friend.
Mr Mlilo, who is allegedly in conflict with his wife, tried to commit suicide late last month.
He drank dipping chemical and was rushed to Plumtree District Hospital on the same day.
He escaped from the hospital in the middle of the night and attempted suicide for the second time the following day by cutting himself with a knife on the throat and stomach.
Mr Mlilo then jumped into a septic tank where he was picked up by residents from George Silundika area who then rushed him to the hospital.
