19-Year-Old Hangs Himself After Being Thrown Out by Family for Impregnating Girl

A 19-year-old teenager from Epworth, Harare, Zimbabwe, has tragically taken his own life after facing rejection from both his family and the community. The young man, identified as Tanyaradzwa Rimau, was found hanging from a roof beam at his parents’ home on Wednesday, April 9, just after midday. His death has shaken the Overspill area, prompting serious concerns about mental health, youth support, and family dynamics.

Tanyaradzwa had reportedly recently impregnated a 17-year-old girl from the community. This revelation led to his father, Trymore Rimau, expelling him from the family home, accusing him of bad behaviour. Relatives say that Tanyaradzwa then sought refuge with a woman in the Solani area of Epworth but was also asked to leave that household. Left with nowhere to go, Tanyaradzwa returned to his family home while his parents were at work. It was his 11-year-old brother, who had been sent to the shops, who returned to find Tanyaradzwa’s lifeless body and immediately informed their aunt.

In an interview with local tabloid H-Metro, Trymore Rimau confirmed he had expelled his son multiple times due to ongoing issues. He described the pregnancy incident as part of a wider pattern of behaviour that had caused tension within the family. “He wasn’t coming home, he was living on the streets, and when he came back, he caused problems, so I chucked him out,” Trymore said. He further explained that Tanyaradzwa had become increasingly disrespectful and had failed to take responsibility for his actions.

However, other family members believe the teenager’s behaviour may have stemmed from deeper struggles. His aunt, who spoke anonymously, suggested that Tanyaradzwa’s use of drugs could have clouded his judgment. She also mentioned that the teenager had been expelled from the woman’s home he was staying at before returning to his parents, only to face rejection once more. “He then came back home knowing his parents had gone for work, and took his own life,” she said.

The incident has prompted reflection in the local community. A local elder, who also spoke anonymously, expressed deep sorrow over the situation. “The boy needed help. Yes, he had made mistakes, but it is painful that no one could reach him before it was too late. In our society, people think chasing a child away is discipline, but sometimes it breaks them for good,” the elder said.

The police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the suicide. While no official statement has been released, the case is being treated with serious concern. Authorities have not disclosed the identity or condition of the 17-year-old girl involved due to her age.