MARTIN MAWAYA
SHURUGWI – A 7-year-old boy drowned on Saturday in the Musavezi River, located in the Shurugwi district, Midlands province police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko has said.
Insp Mahoko said the incident occurred in Village Makandire under Chief Nhema.
The boy, whose name has not been released, was bathing in the river with two girls from the same village when the tragedy occurred.
“The youngest one, aged 7, jumped into the river,” Insp Mahoko said. “The other two girls retrieved him and warned him not to jump into the river again.”
Moments later, the boy said he wanted to relieve himself and walked about 6 meters away before jumping back into the river.
“He failed to swim and drowned,” said Insp Mahoko, adding that efforts to rescue him were fruitless.
He noted that the boy was swept away and could not be located.
Insp Mahoko emphasized the importance of public safety, especially during the current rainy season when many lives have been lost due to drownings.
“We urge the public to refrain from endangering their lives by bathing in or crossing flooded rivers,” added Insp Mahoko .
