JMPD rescues suicidal man in Joburg CBD

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Operations officers assisted in rescuing a young man who was attempting to commit suicide in the Johannesburg CBD.

JMPD ALERTED BY SCREAMING INDIVIDUALS

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said on Thursday, 10 November 2022, whilst on patrol officers heard people screaming at the corner of Kruis and Lillian Ngoyi Street.

“Officers alighted out of the patrol vehicle to investigate what was the cause of the hysteria.”

Fihla

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He added, “Upon close observation, officers noticed a young man on a ledge on top of a building attempting to jump.

Officers immediately rushed to the security of the building to show them the entrance going upstairs”.

He further said they managed to get up the stairs to the top of the building where they talked and negotiated with the young man while waiting for backup.

SIBLING AND PASTOR CALLED TO INTERVENE

“The young man’s sister was contacted and officers continued to implore him not to jump until his sister came. The sister arrived accompanied by a pastor and they managed to convince him not to commit suicide,” said Fihla.

The young man eventually descended from the ledge and he received the necessary help from his sister and pastor.

SUICIDE PREVENTION AT YOUR DISPOSAL

South Africa has a high rate of suicides most stemming from mental health issues. On the same breath, the country has a number of organisations that are out there to aid those with suicidal thoughts, the most prominent being the South African Depression Anxiety Group (SADAG). They are Africa’s largest mental health support and advocacy group.

The organisation has the following contact information for persons suffering from suicidal thoughts to reach out for professional help.

 Suicide Crisis Line is 0800 567 567. And Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 24hr helpline is 0800 12 13 14 or SMS 32312.