Sad news in Beni, North Kivu in DR Congo. A police officer, identified as Mr. Kanzoka Ngwatala, unfortunately committed suicide on Wednesday July 5, 2023. The details surrounding this tragic act are not yet known.
The announcement of this suicide was made by Nasson Murara, the spokesperson for the Congolese National Police in Beni. According to him, the law enforcement officer fired two shots at himself in his own home, and died a short time later.
The reasons that led this police officer to take such a decision remain unclear. Investigations are underway to clarify the circumstances of this tragedy. A team of police investigators is already on site and will provide additional information at a later date.
In the meantime, the body of the deceased was transported to the morgue of the Beni general reference hospital.
This sad news is a reminder of the importance of taking care of the mental health of security professionals. Jobs that require dealing with difficult situations on a daily basis can sometimes have an impact on their psychological well-being.
It is essential to set up support and accompaniment mechanisms for security officers, in order to prevent such dramatic events. Raising awareness around mental health and setting up support systems are crucial actions to support these professionals who face significant challenges in the performance of their duties.
The loss of a police officer is a tragedy not only for his family and loved ones, but also for the community in which he served. It is a sad reality that reminds us that mental health must be taken seriously and that preventive and supportive measures are needed to support those who risk their lives every day to ensure everyone’s safety.
At this difficult time, our hearts go out to the family and colleagues of Mr. Kanzoka Ngwatala, as well as to all those affected by this loss. We hope that the ongoing investigations will help to understand the reasons for this desperate act and will contribute to improving the prevention of suicides within the security forces.