Woman commits suicide at Sandton City Mall

By: Sello Theletsane

Shoppers at Sandton City Mall were left traumatized when a woman committed suicide inside the centre.

Management confirmed the incident through their social media page. 

“Sandton City confirms that on 13 October 2021, at approximately 20:26 an individual jumped to their death. Emergency services responded to the scene immediately, but the individual has unfortunately been pronounced dead. The South African Police Service arrived at the scene shortly afterwards, with an investigation now underway. Sandton City Management sends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.”

Many took to social media to speak about the incident, with eyewitnesses saying they were left traumatized. 

Twitter user @Nokubonga posted: “I was there, I saw her fall. The most horrific thing.”

I was there, I saw her fall. The most horrific thing

— A’Leah (@Nokubonga__) October 14, 2021

The incident brought to the spotlight the issue of mental health and depression. An estimated 23 suicides take place every day in South Africa, along with 460 attempted suicides. A recent report by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) found that 9% of all teen deaths are due to suicide – and this figure is on the increase.

I’m so sorry 💔 you had to go through such an experience if its possible do seek counselling or speak to someone, @SandtonCity should consider setting up counseling for those who witnessed this unfortunate tragedy,it would be great goodwill

— Zinyembezi (@bosslady_za) October 14, 2021

Statistics show that suicide is the second most common cause of death in people aged 15 to 29, but some children as young as six have been deemed suicidal. Sadag media liaison Kayla Phillips said the organization had received over 74 000 calls to its helpline since the beginning of this year, with figures showing young adults, in general, have been more prone to suicidal thoughts.

“Research indicated that 30.6% of students had thoughts of suicide in the past 12 months; 16.6% had made a suicide plan, and 2.4% had attempted suicide. More than half (57.2%) of students who’d had thoughts of suicide in the past 12 months went on to make a suicide plan. And 19.1% of those who made a plan went on to attempt suicide.”

Deputy director of the SA Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH), Leon de Beer, said while there is no reason for the high rates of suicide among young people in South Africa, some contributing factors include high rates of underlying mental illnesses. That includes loneliness, bullying, academic pressure; and, a history of childhood sexual or physical assault or violence.

“The factors and causes that lead to suicide are complex and many. However, you can look out for some signs, including someone talking about dying or other types of self-harm. People are suffering a recent loss; a personality change: sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, and apathetic; a behaviour change; a change in sleep patterns: sleeping too much, or change in sleep habits; and low self-esteem.”

De Beer said that often when a young person chooses to take their own life, there is an underlying and untreated mental health condition, usually depression. Importantly, many young people living with depression do not choose to end their life. Depression is treatable and suicide is preventable.