Teen survives suicide attempt after losing K660 000 in ‘magic scam’

A 17-year-old boy from Bembeke in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kamenyagwaza in Dedza survived a suicide attempt after allegedly losing about K660 000 in what is suspected to be a ‘magic scam’.

The teenager, whose identity we have withheld since he is a minor, runs a small business selling cooking oil, frying chips and offering Mpamba and Airtel Money services. He is said to have discovered that all the money he kept in a carton after daily transactions had mysteriously disappeared. Shocked by the loss, he attempted to take his life, but residents rushed him to Dedza District Hospital where he received treatment.

What has angered child rights advocates is that Group Village Head Khongoni and Sub-T/A Kumbuwa allegedly ordered the boy to pay K75 000 for “bringing shame” to the community through the suicide attempt.

Child rights advocate, Martin Kapolo, said the development is disturbing, adding that he engaged the traditional leaders to rescind their decision, arguing the boy was already mentally distressed.

“We were not impressed with how the issue was handled because the boy was already struggling emotionally and needed care, not punishment. We hope Senior Chief Kachindamoto will handle the matter properly,” he said.

The matter has reportedly been referred to Senior Chief Kamenyagwaza, who has summoned all parties today to review the incident.

Dedza District social welfare officer Edward Chisanga said the office is following the matter with concern, stressing that suicide attempts reflect mental-health issues that need professional support.

“We are not criticizing chiefs,” he emphasized. “But we need to teach them the right procedures. This boy needs psychological support because this is a mental-health problem, not misconduct.”