What happens when the weight of financial failure becomes too heavy to carry? For 33-year-old Ray Chanda Mwansa, it sadly led to a devastating decision that has left a community in mourning.
This heartbreaking story unfolded in Elaine Britell Township, Livingstone, where Ray, a man struggling with business setbacks, took his own life after reaching what he felt was the end of the road.
A Cry for Help Before the Final Act
On April 8, 2025, Ray made a final, desperate call to his wife, Sarah Mubanga.
The 31-year-old nurse, who works at Livingstone University Teaching Hospital, received the gut-wrenching message that her husband intended to end his life.
He had been confiding in her for some time, sharing how overwhelmed he felt by ongoing business failures. He said he no longer felt worthy of living.
Sarah immediately rushed home, hoping she could stop him in time.
The Tragic Discovery at Home
By the time Sarah reached their home, it was too late. Ray had used a necktie to hang himself from a burglar bar on their bathroom window—roughly two meters above the ground.
Despite frantic efforts to save him with the help of neighbors, Ray had already passed away.
It was a heartbreaking and traumatic moment that no loved one should ever have to face.
Authorities Step In to Investigate
Local Ward Councillor Isaac Mukwati promptly reported the incident to Livingstone Central Police Station.
When officers arrived, they found Ray’s body lying in the hallway.
They examined the scene and collected evidence, including two pieces of the necktie used in the act.
In addition, a handwritten suicide note was discovered in the spare bedroom—believed to be Ray’s final words.
Confirmations from Police and Medical Team
Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Auxensio Daka confirmed the tragic incident in a public statement.
After examining Ray’s body, medical personnel observed clear marks of strangulation around his neck.
Thankfully, there were no other signs of physical injury, suggesting his passing was immediate.
His body was then transported to Batoka Hospital Mortuary, where it awaits a postmortem examination and the arrangements for his burial.
A Family Left Grieving, A Community in Shock
Ray Chanda Mwansa’s story is a deeply painful reminder of how silent struggles with failure, especially financial ones, can spiral into irreversible decisions.
His wife, family, and neighbors are now left grappling with the loss—and the painful reality that he believed there was no way out.
As the Livingstone community processes this loss, there’s a collective sense of sorrow and reflection on how mental health and financial stress continue to claim lives when support feels just out of reach.