By Matabeleland North Correspondent

Hwange: A 31-year-old Hwange man allegedly committed suicide by hanging after his wife left him.

The body of Eton Sibanda of Kalisine village under Chief Nekatambe was found by his elder brother Garreth Sibanda hanging from a roof truss in his bedroom hut, seven days after he had indicated that he was following his wife at her parents’ place in Binga.

The wife’s name was not given while it is not clear when and how they separated.

Police spokesperson for Matabeleland North Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed receiving a report of sudden death by hanging but could not give details.

Garreth explained how he found his young brother’s decomposed body hanging in a bedroom hut with maggots all over.

“He phoned me on 22 August at around 4pm saying he was going to Lubimbi to follow his wife.

“The two have been on separation for some time now. I believed him and expected to hear from him updating me that he was back,” he said.

Garreth said on Saturday, he decided to check on his young brother’s livestock when he found the shocking scene.

“On Saturday at 7pm, I decided to go through his homestead checking his livestock since he had not updated me about his return.  As I approached the homestead, I was welcomed by a strong stench coming for the yard.

“I saw his dog at the bedroom hut door and as I went closer. I saw a swarm of flies on the windowpanes and curtains,” said Garreth.

He said he rushed to inform a neighbour, one Mapito Hunter Ndlovu who is also their relative and the two went back to the homestead where upon peeping through the window, they spotted the body hanging from a roof truss with a rope.

The body was in an advanced state of decomposition with maggots all over it and on the floor.

They reported the matter to the police who attended the scene.

Hwange magistrate Barbara Phiri waived postmortem as no foul play was suspected.