Tendai Muererwa
BUHERA – A 15 month old toddler tragically drowned after wandering into a nearby stream while playing at his family’s homestead in Marema Village under Chief Nerutanga, Buhera in an incident that has left the community devastated.
The heartbreaking incident occurred at around 1pm on June 28. The child, Kunashe Munjeyi (15 months) was reportedly playing at home under the supervision of his grandmother, Estina Ngwera (66).
According to reports Kunashe disappeared from the yard for about 20 minutes. His grandmother, together with the child’s mother Sheila Mukwaringe immediately began searching for him around the homestead but could not locate him.
The child’s father, Emmanuel Munjeyi extended the search to Mutora Huku Stream, located approximately 50 metres from the family home. There he made the devastating discovery of his son’s lifeless body lying in the water. He retrieved the body before the matter was reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Buhera.
Police attended the scene and confirmed that no visible injuries were observed on the child’s body. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the drowning are still in progress.
The tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by water bodies particularly to young children. Toddlers are naturally curious and can wander away within moments, making constant supervision essential.
Acting Manicaland Province police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka urged parents and guardians living near rivers or streams to take extra precaution by ensuring young children are always closely monitored, securing play areas and preventing them from accessing water bodies without adult supervision.
