A Gumare man who knocked his girlfriend unconscious is said to have hanged himself, believing that he had killed the woman.
According to the police, the 40 year old bludgeoned his girlfriend with an axe handle on the head, causing her to temporarily black out.
“On Friday at 12 midnight, we received a report that a young woman aged 34 years was severely and badly assaulted by her boyfriend who left her motionless,” explained Acting Station Commander for Gumare police, Assistant Superintendent, Jerry Sabata.
Sabata explained that following the assault, the man went to the neighbours’ yard and hanged himself from a morula tree.
He is said to have used a piece of wire to commit suicide.
Meanwhile the woman is said to have regained consciousness and called her uncle who works at Gumare primary hospital for assistance.
“She was attended to and referred to Letsholathebe II memorial hospital in Maun where she is recuperating,” further explained Sabata.
Although he did not mention the cause of the violence, Sabata adviced men to do self counselling and stop resorting to violence when their love affairs sour.
“They should create room in their hearts for disappointment. They should know that their partners are grown ups and have their own way of doing things and therefore should not expect to change them. Relationships between two people cannot be like that of a finger and nail where they will always be together,” he added.
He further advised that, “When a woman says she wants out of the relationship, let go and if need be, seek counselling.”
Sabata’s appeal comes against the backdrop of gender based violence cases which for some years now have been on the rise.
The couple is said to have been cohabiting for some time and were staying at the woman’s place.
