A 16-year-old learner from Bulawayo has died shortly after the release of the November 2025 Ordinary Level examination results, with police saying she became emotionally distressed after discovering she had passed only two out of seven subjects.
Bulawayo Police Spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the teenager checked her results online at home on January 16 and struggled to cope with the outcome.
“On January 16, at around 2130 hours, the now deceased checked her results on the ZIMSEC portal. Upon discovering that she only passed two subjects out of seven, she was devastated and started crying,” Inspector Msebele said.
According to police, her family immediately tried to assist her after noticing her distress, but the situation quickly escalated. She was rushed to Mpilo Hospital, where she was pronounced dead upon admission.
Inspector Msebele urged young people to seek help whenever they feel overwhelmed by academic pressure or emotional challenges.
“As the Police, we urge young people to always speak out to parents, teachers, counsellors, or close friends whenever they feel overwhelmed emotionally, as harming themselves is not a solution,” she said. She also appealed to parents to ensure hazardous household items are stored safely and out of reach.
The incident has raised renewed concern about exam-related stress among learners and the need for stronger mental-health support in communities and schools.
