MILLICENT HUNGWE
Rusape — Manicaland Province Acting Police Spokesperson, Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, has urged members of the public to avoid entering water bodies to cool off during the current heatwave, warning that drowning cases are on the rise in the province and across the country.
His remarks follow an incident that occurred on October 25 around 4 PM at Crocodile Motel in Rusape, where Effort Mapingo (11) lost his life after drowning while swimming with his 10 year old friend.
The two boys entered the water to cool off from the scorching temperatures currently baking the nation. While swimming, Mapingo reportedly went into deeper waters and drowned.
The 10 year old boy, realizing his friend had drowned, quickly shouted for help and alerted Milton Rewai, who was nearby at the motel.
Rewai managed to retrieve the boy’s lifeless body and immediately alerted the police.
Officers attended the scene, and Mapingo’s body was transferred to Rusape District Hospital Mortuary for postmortem.
Inspector Chinyoka emphasized the importance of caution, especially for children during the season.
