By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Chinhoyi — The Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) community has been left reeling after the sudden death of a first-year Agricultural Engineering student, just four days after another student at the institution also took his own life.
The latest victim, identified as Abraham Chabata, was described by peers as a model student diligent, financially stable, and seemingly happy. His suicide, which occurred on campus last Wednesday, has plunged the university into deep grief and confusion.
Fellow students said Chabata had never shown signs of depression or emotional distress, leaving both classmates and faculty shocked by his decision. His death has raised urgent questions about the unseen struggles students may be facing.
This tragedy follows closely on the heels of the suicide of another engineering student at CUT, who was known to have been battling mental health challenges.
The back-to-back incidents have cast a dark cloud over the institution, sparking debate about whether the university is doing enough to promote mental health awareness and support systems.
Although Chabata reportedly left a suicide note addressed to his parents and friends, its contents have not yet been made public. Students on campus say the tragedy has made them more anxious about the silent burdens their peers may be carrying.
As grief engulfs the university, the tragedies have reignited broader conversations about mental health awareness in Zimbabwe’s higher education institutions.