A 48-year-old businessman, Charles Lyford, tragically took his own life in Khonjeni, Thyolo, amidst financial struggles.

According to South East Police Region spokesperson Edward Kabango, Lyford, a polygamist and dried fish seller, confided in a friend about his financial difficulties on February 13, 2024.

Kabango further stated that on February 18, Lyford informed his first wife of his intention to buy fish at Chonde Market but never returned.

He was later found dead by his second wife in their unfinished house around 05:00 hours on Monday.

Kabango quoted, “He called his first wife to bid farewell as if he were going somewhere.”

Investigations are underway to determine the course of his death.