Roseline Mutare
Masvingo – A distressing incident occurred on December 7, when 9-year-old Ishmael Mahlera drowned in Runde River, near Mawiro Village in Triangle, while playing with his friends.
Masvingo Province Police deputy spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, confirmed the incident saying Ishmael had accompanied his mother and 6-year-old sibling to the river, where his father was engaged in gold panning activities. The mother had instructed Ishmael to deliver food to his father, but instead, he joined his friends and began playing in the water.
When the mother realized her son had not returned around 3pm, she raised the alarm, and a search effort was launched. Unfortunately, the boy’s body was only discovered the following day, floating on the surface of the water with no visible injuries.
ZRP warned parents to be vigilant when allowing their children to play near water bodies.
“We urge parents and guardians to be mindful of their children’s whereabouts, especially when near water, this incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by water bodies, and we hope that parents will take heed of our warning,” Patinyu said.
