The Seventh Day Adventist week-long conference at Chinyudze was overshadowed by tragedy when 28-year-old Tafadzwa Macheche reportedly took her own life on church grounds. Her body was found hanging from a tree near the restroom facilities, leaving the congregation deeply shocked and seeking understanding.

According to Farirai Mutambirwa, a fellow church member and friend of Macheche, she had struggled with suicidal thoughts since the previous year. Macheche had confided in members of the church about hearing spiritual voices urging her to end her life.

During the conference, Macheche openly shared her intentions to commit suicide, which led the church to provide counseling and closely monitor her. Despite these efforts, she managed to slip away unnoticed and tragically ended her life.

Macheche leaves behind two children, who were present with her at the event, and her husband. Her family has a history of suicide, with both her brother and maternal grandfather having died by suicide in the past.

Mutambirwa explained, “She was dealing with social challenges and was diagnosed with depression by medical professionals. She described feeling drained and hearing voices telling her to take her life. Even while at the church, she was tormented by these spirits. We prayed for her, but she was determined to die. Although we kept a close watch on her, she slipped away. Later, we learned she had used tree bark to make a rope and hanged herself near the toilets.”

Her body was taken to Rusape General Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Despite the heartbreaking event, the church conference, which began on Sunday and is set to conclude the following Sunday, continues as planned. Macheche’s husband arrived on Tuesday to collect their children and her belongings.

Mutambirwa added, “Since her illness began last year, we have prayed for her. She would often call after a short time, saying things had started again. She had been threatening suicide for some time. Sadly, suicide runs in her family.”

Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, acting spokesperson for Manicaland police, confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing. He stated, “On August 25, around 11 a.m., Tafadzwa Macheche was found hanging from a tree at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Chinyudze by a church member. The case was reported to the police, and no external injuries were observed. The body was taken to Rusape General Hospital for further examination, and investigations continue.”

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