A 22-year-old man named Dingani from Kadoma sparked shock and concern when he climbed a 30-meter tower light and threatened to commit suicide. The dramatic incident unfolded around 4 a.m. near Nherera Bar in Rimuka suburb.
Dingani had reportedly attempted to steal solar panels from a house on Masvaure Street but was intercepted by a mob and chased. In a desperate bid to escape, he climbed the tower light and remained there for about three hours, even threatening to jump.
Residents were startled by the commotion and the gathering crowd. Abigail, a female neighbor, recounted, “We were abruptly awakened to the news of Dingani climbing the tower. We hadn’t slept since. It’s a complete surprise to us. We heard he tried to steal solar panels and was caught, which led to him climbing the tower.”
ALSO READ: Tanzania leader condemns killing of opposition figure doused in acid
Another neighbor, Shylet, expressed disbelief, noting, “Dingani had been acting suspiciously all night. My mother was afraid to go out early in the morning, fearing he might attack her. Later, we found out he was caught trying to steal our neighbor’s solar panels.”
The homeowner whose roof was damaged accepted the situation with resignation. “It’s just one of those strange things. I’ll fix the roof and move on. There’s not much I can do, given that I’m just a woman who sells vegetables. It’s my loss,” said the homeowner, who chose to remain anonymous.
The rescue operation was led by Tafadzwa Maxwell ‘Agaga’ Mwanyisa, who remained calm and determined. “I was committed to saving him. Despite my wife’s attempts to stop me, I climbed the tower, showed Dingani money for his favorite drink, and convinced him to drop the knife and electric shocker he was holding. After that, I managed to rescue him,” Mwanyisa explained.
Dingani was subsequently taken to Rimuka police station under heavy guard.
