14-year-old girl takes own life over cheating boyfriend

Budiriro, Zimbabwe | DailyExpress:- A somber mood has gripped the Budiriro community in Zimbabwe following the tragic death of 14-year-old Alisha Simango, a Form One student who was found dead in her family’s bathroom on Friday morning in a suspected case of suicide.

According to family accounts, Alisha appeared to be in her usual routine, having come to her father’s room to heat water for her morning bath and preparing to leave for school. But moments later, her lifeless body was discovered, leaving relatives and neighbors reeling in shock.

Her grieving father, Mr. Simango, said the incident came as a complete surprise. “She was just herself that morning. There was nothing to suggest anything was wrong,” he told reporters.

Mr Simango added that apart from a pending US$30 school fee, which he had assured her would be paid on Saturday, he was unaware of any major issues troubling his daughter.

However, a journal left behind by the teenager offered heartbreaking insight into her emotional struggles. In her diary entries, Alisha reportedly wrote about dealing with school pressure, mental health concerns, and feeling betrayed by a romantic relationship. A specific incident involving her boyfriend allegedly kissing another girl at school appeared to be a triggering point.

“I don’t know who to trust anymore… I am always crying,” one diary entry reportedly read.

Her mother has since called for a post-mortem examination to fully understand the cause of death, as the family continues to seek answers.

The tragic case has reignited public conversation on the growing mental health crisis among teenagers, especially in school settings where social pressures and emotional distress often go unnoticed.

Mental health professionals are urging schools, parents, and communities to foster environments where young people feel safe, heard, and supported.

“The emotional well-being of adolescents must be prioritized. We need to normalize conversations around mental health and provide more accessible support structures,” one counselor advised.