By Burnett Munthali
A shocking tragedy has struck the Catholic University community following the death of a young female student who reportedly took her own life.
According to preliminary reports, the student tied herself with a strap from her handbag inside her hostel room.
The incident is believed to be linked to relationship issues that escalated over the weekend.
Sources indicate that the student had celebrated her birthday on Saturday, which was attended by her boyfriend, a soldier, who later took her out for the night.
On Monday, she returned to class and even shared leftover birthday cake with her fellow students, appearing outwardly cheerful.
However, reports suggest that she later received a call from an unidentified man, which triggered tension in her relationship with her boyfriend.
On the morning of her death, her best friend reportedly received a phone call from an unknown person inquiring about her condition.Lack of Hostels in Northern Malawi Threatens Education Quality for Girls, Warns Education Division
The friend assured the caller that she was fine, noting that they had been chatting and laughing together earlier that morning.
Later, the student attended a scheduled class presentation but was visibly disturbed, crying during the session.
Witnesses say she complained of a severe headache and asked a fellow student for keys to rest in their hostel.
It was there that she ended her life by hanging herself with the strap of her bag.
Her sudden death has left the university community in deep shock and mourning, with fellow students struggling to comprehend the tragic loss.
University authorities are yet to issue an official statement, but students have called for counseling services to help them cope with the devastating incident.
This tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for mental health awareness and support systems in Malawian universities.
