The life of a promising young woman was cut short last Wednesday, leaving behind only memories and unanswered questions.
Lillian Rusike, a 22-year-old student at Great Zimbabwe University, ended her life after discovering that her boyfriend was a married man, shattering the very foundations upon which her life was built.
Friends and family describe Lillian as a deeply religious God-fearing woman, deeply devoted to her faith and values.
As a member of the Roman Catholic Church’s St Theresa Rujeko branch, Lillian was known to participate enthusiastically in church activities and prayer programs. Her strong faith and principles were evident in her daily life, where she lived with a sense of moral conviction and integrity.
Lillian’s friend, Mitchell Gumbo, shared a poignant account of her friend’s tragic d3ath.
According to Mitchell, Lillian fell deeply in love with a man named Farai, who promised to marry her after a yearlong relationship. Farai, however, had a secret: he was already married with two children.
The devastating truth, which Lillian discovered only after nearly a year of being in a relationship with Farai, left her heartbroken and her sense of identity shattered.
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“It’s very sad, she had a bright future ahead of her,” Mitchell said, visibly shaken by the loss of her friend. “She was found by her aunt after she took her own life, and she didn’t even leave a note.”
Mitchell recalled that Lillian was present every Sunday at church, where she participated in the praise and worship team. Her love for faith and spirituality was evident in her daily life, where she sought guidance and purpose.
As news of Lillian’s tragic death spread, a church service was held at her aunt’s house in Mucheke, where she grew up. She was laid to rest at Mhandamabwe Business Centre in Chivhu, surrounded by friends and family who were grappling to make sense of her untimely passing.
“We are hurt, and it’s very sad,” Mitchell said, her voice shaking with emotion. “Lillian was a very deep person, and I think this is what has hurt us the most.”
