In a heartbreaking but ultimately hopeful turn of events, a woman in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal, was rescued from a suicide attempt on Monday, August 11, 2025, after attempting to jump off a bridge due to crippling debt and relentless harassment by a loan shark.
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) officers responded swiftly after receiving a distress call from the woman’s family, who grew alarmed following a chilling message she sent, saying she was ready to end her life.
According to RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram, the woman had borrowed R20,000 from a loan shark but was now being aggressively pursued for R100,000 — the result of interest rates that had shockingly ballooned from 50% to 400%.
The woman, a mother to a minor daughter, had already made two previous suicide attempts linked to the same debt. The loan shark had reportedly threatened to repossess her car, worsening her anxiety and sense of hopelessness.
She was taken to safety and is now receiving emotional and professional support. Her case has reignited public concern over the rising crisis of illegal and predatory lending in vulnerable communities, especially where access to regulated credit is limited.
Authorities are being urged to crack down on unscrupulous lenders and to expand financial education and mental health support, particularly for women facing the double burden of economic pressure and family responsibility.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Reach out to Lifeline South Africa at 0861 322 322 or contact your nearest support service. No one should suffer in silence.
