The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has recorded 281 suicide cases from January to June 2024, a significant increase compared to the same period in 2023 when 220 cases were reported.

According to MPS report signed by Superintendent Harry J.D. Namwaza, Out of the 281 cases in 2024, 246 were males and 35 were females while in 2023, during the same period, 198 males and 22 females committed suicide.

“Some factors contributing to the rise in suicide cases include debts, broken relationships, family conflicts, and drug and substance abuse among the youth”, reads the report.

The MPS has however urged people that whenever they are facing challenges they should not to resort to suicide but instead seek counseling or advice from trusted institutions or individuals.