Durban residents have expressed heartbreak and concern on social media after the death of a 21-year-old man who is believed to have taken his own life by jumping from the M19 bridge onto the N2 on Saturday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the scene around 3.30pm after witnesses reported seeing the man on the bridge. Police, paramedics and private security companies responded and found him lying on the roadway. Despite attempts to assist, he showed no signs of life and was declared deceased at the scene. His vehicle, a black Volkswagen Polo, was later recovered on the bridge.
The deceased was identified as Nickeel Gokul from Umhlatuzana in Chatsworth. According to reports from KZNVIP Emergency Services, their officers were informed by members of the public on arrival that a black TSI VW Polo had pulled over near the bridge and a male exited the vehicle before climbing onto the ledge. Moments later, the individual jumped off as per witnesses who attempted to stop him.
The incident has prompted an outpouring of sympathy and reflection on social media, particularly on community crime awareness platforms. Many residents shared their condolences with the family while also raising alarm about the urgent need to address mental health challenges among young people.
Kev Singh wrote on Facebook: “Too many of our youth are suffering in silence. We must do more as a community to talk about mental health and support those who are struggling.”
Another community member, Sharon Naidoo, said: “My heart breaks for his parents. This should be a wake-up call for all of us to look out for our loved ones.”
Rajesh Pillay added: “We need proper access to counselling and support services. It’s painful to see another young life lost because there was nowhere to turn.”
Aimee Naidoo, from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Mental Health Matters Group at the Nelson Mandela Community Youth Centre, said it is important for the community to rethink the way they respond to people who may be struggling with their mental health.
She said: “Too often, when someone shows signs of being down, anxious or overwhelmed, we are quick to brush it off or tell them to toughen up. That kind of reaction only isolates people further. What is really needed is patience, empathy and a willingness to just be there without judgement.”
She explained that listening without trying to fix the problem is one of the most powerful forms of support: “When you keep asking someone how they are, when you create that consistency and safety, they will eventually feel more comfortable to open up. It’s not about giving them solutions or advice, it’s about making them feel seen and valued. A simple, heartfelt, ‘I’m here for you, how are you really doing?’ can often be the first step in saving a life.”
Naidoo added that open conversations can also help to reduce the shame and stigma surrounding mental illness in the community.
“For too long, people have been afraid to talk about mental struggles because they fear being judged. But the truth is, every family is touched by these issues in some way. The more we normalise talking about depression, anxiety and suicide, the more we build a culture where people feel supported rather than shamed. That shift can make all the difference.”
Naidoo offered a helping hand towards the bereaved family.
“This is indeed a heartbreaking loss for you as a family and I pray that you will one day be strong enough to use this heartbreaking tragedy to help someone else in need. We at SADAG have avenues for you to explore and get the necessary help that you need – do not leave your pain unresolved,” she said.
She urges residents to reach out for help if they or someone they know is experiencing distress. Organisations such as SADAG provide confidential support on 0800 567 567, and the Suicide Crisis Helpline is available on 0800 456 789.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that an inquest docket is being investigated.
“Police in Sydenham have opened an inquest docket following an incident in which a 21-year-old man allegedly jumped from the bridge and died on Saturday, 20 September on the N2 South, M19 split. Circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated,” he said.
The deceased was laid to rest on Monday, 22 September.
Attempts to reach the family for comment were unsuccessful at the time of print.
