SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MBERENGWA -The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed a tragic drowning incident in which three children, aged five and six, lost their lives after falling into a backyard fish pond in Mberengwa.
The incident occurred on 31 January 2026 at around 5pm at Village Vengai, Chief Mataga area.
ZRP Midlands spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the bodies of Nokutenda Maidza (6), Tariroyashe Maidza (5) and Adroid Shumba (6) were discovered floating in the pond by Alpheos Shumba (65) at his homestead. Adroid Shumba was his grandson, while the other two children were neighbours.
“Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a report of sudden death concerning three children – two aged 6 and the other 5 years, in a drowning incident in a backyard fish pond. This occurred on 31 January 2026 around 1700hrs at Village Vengai, Chief Mataga in Mberengwa.
“Alpheos Shumba (65) discovered the bodies of the three children, who are; Nokutenda Maidza [6], Tariroyashe Maidza [05] and Adroid Shumba [6] floating in a backyard fish pond at his homestead,” he said.
The fish pond is reported to measure approximately 14 metres long, 10 metres wide and 1.5 metres deep.
Officers from ZRP Mataga attended the scene and retrieved the bodies. Police noted that the children were found naked, with their clothes lying on the ground about three metres from the pond, suggesting they may have been playing nearby before the incident.
The bodies were taken to Musume Mission Hospital where they are awaiting postmortem examinations.
Mahoko reiterated an appeal to parents and guardians to closely supervise their children, particularly around water bodies to prevent similar tragedies.
“We reiterate the call for parents and guardians of children to keep close eye on them when they play,” he said
